Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for Transport when the report into the presence of car write-offs that have previously been classed as unfit for road use will be published; if it will include an examination of the alleged 23,000 British car write-offs on Irish roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1657/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The examination of the alleged continued use of vehicles which are written off by insurers has been progressing on two fronts. The first relates to the establishment of a framework going forward so that there is an effective system in place which ensures that all write off instances are notified and properly recorded. My Department has been informed of the initial deliberations of an informal review group established to examine this issue chaired by the RSA and representative of the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, and the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). Further consultation with relevant stakeholders is required.

The second task relates to obtaining details of vehicles which have been written off in recent years for comparison against the NVDF to seek to determine the extent to which written off vehicles may still be in circulation. At a recent meeting with the Irish Insurance Federation I sought and was given a commitment that they will use their influence with individual insurers to have the necessary data made available voluntarily.

The alleged importation of write offs from abroad is a matter in the first instance for the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the registration of vehicles.