Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans, following the new VRT emissions-based system, in place to fairly calculate and levy VRT charges on the emissions caused by similar new cars being imported from the UK and other jurisdictions after 1 July 2008, in view of the fact that as it currently stands identical new cars with equal emissions will be taxed differently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2007/08]

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

Vehicle registration tax chargeable on the registration of all category A vehicles, whether new or a used import, in the State on or after 1 July 2008 will be by reference to the vehicle's:

(1) level of CO2 emissions as contained in the relevant EC certificate of conformity or EC type approval certificate, and

(2) open market selling price (OMSP) as declared by an authorised distributor in the State.

The new taxbase will, as already stated, apply to all category A vehicles being registered, whether they are sourced in the State, the UK or any other jurisdiction.

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that VRT is a once-off payment made upon the registration of a vehicle. Matters relating to the annual motor tax fall under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.