Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of motor vehicle imports in 2007 and to date in 2008; his views on the damage to employment in the motor trade arising from the inferior quality of some of those vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45472/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners the number of used motor vehicles imported in 2007 and to date in 2008 are as shown in the following table. The weakening of Sterling against the Euro has been a contributory factor in the increase in used car imports.

Revenue currently carries out a risk based examination of a proportion of the used imported vehicles being presented for registration i.e. examining all high-risk (determined by age and value) passenger cars and in addition, some 10% of all other vehicles are examined. The examination ensures that the documentation matches the car being imported, the condition of the car is as stated and that any extras on the car have been declared for VRT purposes. An Interagency Working Group set up to examine issues related to the management of the national fleet from registration to end of life has identified and examined a number of concerns in relation to vehicles using our roads. The Deputy may be aware that I have brought forward proposals in the Finance Bill to assist in addressing this issue, by tightening the rules in relation to the registration of second hand vehicles. I believe these measures will improve the regulatory framework in this area.