Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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88. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to any expressions of interest in the establishment of REITs in Ireland since the passing of the Finance Act. [30979/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I have today welcomed the announcement of the launch of Ireland’s first REIT following the Budget 2013 announcement and introduction of legislation in the Finance Act. REITs will provide stable, long-term capital investment into the commercial property sector in Ireland. The establishment of Ireland’s first REIT and the rising level of activity and interest in the commercial property market are further indications that the range of initiatives this Government has introduced are contributing to the stabilisation and recovery of the property sector in Ireland.

Officials in my Department have also met with a small number of other groups who have expressed interest in the establishment of an Irish REIT.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider the possibility whereby applicants using the export repayment scheme calculator could provide details of car registration number for definitive verification on whether a car may already have been the subject of VRT repayments (details supplied). [30982/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the VRT export repayment calculator is available to the public on revenue.ie. Making VRT details for a specific vehicle registration number available to the public would breach taxpayer confidentiality and therefore the calculator operates on the basis of generic vehicle details such as make, model and age. Details concerning any previous repayment or remission of VRT are provided when the vehicle is presented for a pre-export inspection and the documentation is verified.

The VRT Export Repayment Scheme is a new scheme that started in April to facilitate the export of second-hand vehicles. I am advised by Revenue that they intend to keep the scheme under review to monitor its impact and to ensure that adequate controls are in place. They have also informed me that they have not received representations from the trade or individuals about this aspect of the scheme.