Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount by which motor taxation will be increased in 2007; the estimated increase in revenue which is expected in motor taxation in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42588/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On Budget day (6 December) I announced new proposals which will provide an incentive through the motor tax system for the motoring public to drive cleaner cars. The new proposal will use CO2 emission ratings, in addition to the normal engine c.c. value, in the calculation of motor tax and will rebalance tax payments in favour of cars with lower CO2 emission levels, at the expense of cars with high emission levels. This rebalancing will be applied to any new or pre-owned imported vehicle, registered in this country on or after 1 January, 2008 and taxed within the 'Private Car' motor tax class, which make up about 75% of vehicles registered each year. Cars, which are registered prior to 1 January 2008, will continue to be taxed under current arrangements and CO2 ratings will not apply to these vehicles. A public consultation paper on motor tax rebalancing is available on my Department's website www.environ.ie and I have invited interested parties to make submissions by 1 March 2007.

Current motor tax rates have remained unchanged since 2004; receipts up to the end of November 2006 show an increase of 10% compared with last year, against a background of a 6% increase in the national vehicle fleet.