Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 343: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider introducing terms of one month road tax for lorries involved in haulage business in view of the fact that many are only working on short-term contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21469/10]

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

I have no plans at present to introduce one-month terms for motor vehicle licences. A change from the present system of issuing licences on a quarterly, half-yearly and annual basis would result in significant increases in staffing requirements, administration and printing costs in motor tax offices. It could also lead to increases in the cost of motor tax to the average motorist as the increased administrative costs would have to be reflected in the rates of tax.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 344: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a van can be taxed commercially even if the owner is not yet VAT registered; if not and the van is taxed privately, if the owner can then legally carry work tools in the van; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21494/10]

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

When an application for a motor vehicle licence is received, motor taxation authorities are required by law to satisfy themselves that the tax disc for which the application is made is the appropriate disc for the vehicle in question. In the case of a commercial vehicle, the applicant must complete a statutory declaration, produce a weight docket if the vehicle is under a certain weight, provide evidence of commercial insurance and provide a roadworthiness certificate if the vehicle is over one year old. Evidence of registration for VAT is not routinely sought. There is no prohibition in the motor tax code in regard to the carrying of work tools in a vehicle which has been taxed privately.