Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide a vehicle registration service at a location (details supplied) in County Donegal that will accommodate a distinct geographical area; if he will acknowledge that the distance that the current arrangement imposes on residents of this area; his further views that such a service could easily be provided from existing public offices in this proposed location;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15813/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have an obligation to address the question of the proper use and management of resources, particularly in the current economic circumstances. In this context and following an efficiency review of smaller offices, the Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) for Co. Donegal was relocated to Donegal Town in February 2009. The Revenue office in Donegal Town was selected for the location of the VRO as best use could be made of the available staff resources and the existing office accommodation. Parking for vehicles and customers is also well catered for at that location. The Letterkenny and Bridgend locations were both considered unsuitable for VRO purposes for various reasons, including availability of staff, office space and adequate parking facilities. The Donegal Town location represents the best use of available resources by Revenue and meets the requirements for the provision of customer service in the county in regard to vehicle registration.

Revenue's on-line facility (ROS) has greatly reduced the demand for service at Vehicle Registration Offices. All new vehicles can be registered using ROS. Indeed, each of the main dealers in Co. Donegal currently uses ROS for this purpose and no attendance at a VRO is necessary. Plans to appoint the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) to carry out a range of registration functions on behalf of Revenue are at an advanced stage. Following appointment, it is anticipated that the NCTS shall provide vehicle registration facilities at their newly opened NCT Centre in Carndonagh.

In the meantime, based on service demands, the readily-accessible alternatives available and the need for Revenue to make effective use of resources, the consolidation of vehicle registration services into Donegal Town is reasonable.