Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review a case (details supplied) regarding motor tax. [5500/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The question appears to refer to the introduction of the CO2-based system of motor tax introduced in 2008 which provides that rates for private vehicles registered on or after 01 July 2008 (including hybrid vehicles) are based on the CO2 emissions rating supplied by the Revenue Commissioners. The scheme also applies to some vehicles registered between 01 January and 30 June 2008.

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-2008 car fleet have not been authenticated for business purposes. 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.