Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 390: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to the State of retrospectively applying the changes in motor tax charges in respect of hybrid and other low-emissions vehicles originally registered before 1 January 2008 in order that from 1 July 2008 the lower motor tax charges would apply as they do to newly registered vehicles at that time; his views on such a change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24390/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As was indicated in the debate on the recently enacted Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008, the rates under the CO2 system were determined on a revenue neutral basis so as not to undermine the monies available to the Local Government Fund. In addition, it was pointed out that retrospection would not be practicable, as the CO2 data for the car fleet had not been authenticated for business purposes. The cost of any retrospection, were it possible, could be substantial, depending on how it applied, and could have direct implications for the revenue base of Local Government. From the outset it was made clear that the new CO2 system would apply from a specified date and that cars registered before that date would continue to be taxed under the engine size based system.