Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he is considering using the post office network as a facility for the sale of motor tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35868/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the motor tax system is kept under regular review.

Under existing arrangements, motor tax is payable in person or by post through motor tax offices in twenty six local authorities. It is also payable online at any time, with the level of online usage increasing from 42% of all motor tax transactions in 2010 to just under 70% to date in 2016.

I am aware that An Post is interested in providing a collection service for motor tax through the post office network. This is being considered by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in consultation with my Department, as part of the review of the recommendations contained in the Final Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group(the Kerr report). My Department will assess, as part of this process, the added value of providing an additional payment path for motor tax , in the context of maximising the efficiency of the provision of high quality services to the public. Public procurement requirements in respect of engaging service providers will also have to be considered.