Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

164. To ask the Minister for Finance if her Department will examine the process by which car registrations can be purchased without applicable proof of car ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31961/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Subject to certain exceptions, all vehicles used in the State are required by law to be registered here.  I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that vehicle registrations cannot be processed without satisfactory proof of ownership. Requiring certain records of ownership, such as the vehicle registration certificate as part of the registration process helps to:  prevent the registration of vehicles that have been stolen or previously written-off for insurance purposes; ensure the correct categorisation and history of vehicles; and verify a vehicle’s point of origin for taxation purposes. 

In the case of new vehicles, applications for registration are usually made by motor retailers who are familiar with the registration process, and queries about the vehicle ownership documents seldom arise.  In the case of used vehicles that need to be registered – typically because they have been imported from outside the State – both national and EU legislation require that the previous registration certificate be provided in order to process the registration. 

Revenue’s website sets out Information about the various documents and proofs that need to be provided in order to register a vehicle. Recognising that most used vehicle imports which are presented for registration have been sourced in the UK, the website includes details about how to register such vehicles, including the particulars of the UK vehicle documentation that needs to be provided.

Finally, if the Deputy is aware of any potential cases of vehicle registration without appropriate proof of ownership, she should bring the information to Revenue’s attention so that it can be investigated.