Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if motor tax can be paid in smaller monthly instalments rather than larger quarterly payments to assist those with limited means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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There are no plans currently to review the basis for paying motor tax.

On the basis of the current arrangements, the number of motor tax discs issued each year is in the order of some 5m discs. In addition, renewal notices are issued to vehicle owners in the month of expiry of a motor tax disc. The introduction of a facility whereby a motor tax disc can be taken out on a monthly basis would significantly increase the volume of discs and renewals, with a resultant increase in the costs of operating the motor tax system administratively and in terms of financial costs and controls, including bank charges, which are not currently met by vehicle owners.

If a system of payment by direct debit is being proposed, it should be noted such a proposal would require significant additional enforcement provisions to recoup income lost to the taxpayer where there are insufficient funds in personal accounts to meet the payment or where the direct debit option is cancelled after a disc has been issued, as well as provisions to enable recovery of a disc in such circumstances.