Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on national road safety in that one in every 20 vehicles on roads here reportedly do not have tax; the plans that he has to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17870/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Road safety is a matter for the Minister for Transport and the Road Safety Authority and one in which I have no function. In relation to motor tax, liability on a vehicle arises when the vehicle is first used in a public place following registration of the vehicle by the Revenue Commissioners and assignment of Irish number plates. It is an offence to use an untaxed mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place and enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána. My Department is currently examining the legislation governing the operation of the motor tax system with a view to ensuring that the system can operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. I intend to address the current system of declaring vehicles off the road, which is open to abuse, in the context of a revision and consolidation of motor tax law. In this regard, I intend to bring Heads of a Bill to Government as soon as possible.