Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 143: To ask the Minister for Finance the length of time persons can drive European registered cars on roads here while living and working here; his views on whether both these issues are causing significant frustration amongst drivers of all nationalities here who are paying tax and insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35914/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as a general rule all vehicles imported for an indefinite period into the State must register for vehicle registration tax purposes within 24 hours of arrival. This rule applies equally to vehicles imported by EU and non-EU persons. However, section 135(a) of the Finance Act 1992 permits a European or other foreign registered vehicle, which is temporarily brought into the State by a person established outside the State, to be exempted from the requirement to register for vehicle registration tax purposes for a period normally not exceeding 12 months from the date upon which the vehicle concerned was brought into the State. These provisions are in line with Article 39 of the EU treaty which provides for the free movement of workers within member states.

The Deputy may wish to note that a reciprocal arrangement is also in place for Irish residents in the other EU member states.