Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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47. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to streamline the registration process for camper vans; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties and delays being faced by dealers as a result of their being unable to register the vehicle themselves online; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these dealerships are losing valuable business as a result of the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23430/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that dealers can register vehicles, including camper vans, online through the Revenue On-line Service (ROS).  The online process is the same for all vehicles and can be carried out for new vehicles where vehicle details are uploaded in advance (the "birth cert" system) or, for previously registered vehicles, where the vehicle details are uploaded following a pre-inspection by the National Car Testing Service.  In both cases, a dealer can register a vehicle immediately on making a sale using this system.  

Because of a lack of volume in camper van registrations and a significant degree in variation in vehicle specifications, Revenue has to value many of these vehicles on a case by case basis and provide a vehicle specific valuation code to be used when registering the vehicle. These codes had a lifespan of 50 days and it was brought to Revenue's attention earlier this year that the time limit was too short and that as a result dealers were experiencing delays in registering camper vans. Following a review, Revenue has extended the period of validity of these codes to 150 days.  

The Commissioners have informed me that any dealer with questions about valuation codes for camper vans and their online registration should contact the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Central Vehicle Office, Rosslare Harbour, Rosslare, Co. Wexford, e-mail . If correspondence relates to a specific vehicle the secure email system should be used details are contained at: .