Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government with reference to motor trade plates which cost €330, his views on the status of Republic of Ireland trade plates in Northern Ireland and on confiscations in Northern Ireland of cars with legitimate Republic of Ireland trade plates; if in view of the fact that motor trade in this State can involve travel through Northern Ireland; if he will raise this matter at an upcoming meeting of the North South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51101/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The legislation in relation to trade plates is provided in section 21 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1992 and the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1992.

Trade plates can be used by motor dealers in very limited circumstances in respect of vehicles on which a vehicle licence has not been taken out. Trade plates are not vehicle licences and their use is not recognised outside the State.

The European Commission has put forward a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the European Council simplifying the transfer of motor vehicles registered in another Member State within the Single Market (COM(2012) 164 final dated 4 April 2012). The proposal is at an early stage of development. It includes a provision aimed at facilitating the intra-EU trade of second-hand vehicles through the harmonisation of rules on the professional registration of vehicles (i.e. trade plates in Ireland). Any changes to the system in operation for trade plates will be in the context of this proposal.