Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 354: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has given consideration to a review of the current motor taxation system which is based on emission measurements in view of the fact that the NCT system now measures emission levels for all cars and that many pre-2008 cars have similar emission levels to those post-2008; his views that the current taxation system penalises those who cannot afford to change their cars owing to the current financial climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35712/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The question of applying the new CO2 based motor tax system to all cars was subject to detailed discussion during the debate on the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008. Any retrospection would not be possible, as the CO2 data for the pre-July 2008 car fleet were not authenticated for business purposes. Furthermore, it is my understanding that a test for CO2 emissions does not form part of the NCT test. The cost of any retrospection could be substantial were it possible, depending on how it applied, and could have direct implications for the revenue base of local government. Notwithstanding the above, the motor taxation system is kept under regular review in my Department.