Written answers

Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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95. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of category A vehicles that were charged with the nitrogen dioxide emissions, NOx, levy in 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023; the revenue raised each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14066/23]

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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96. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be raised if the current nitrogen dioxide, NOx, levy was doubled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14067/23]

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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97. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be raised annually if the current nitrogen dioxide, NOx, levy was applied to both categories A and B vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14068/23]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 96 and 97 together.

In relation to question 14066, I am informed by Revenue that the number of category A vehicles charged with the nitrogen dioxide emissions (NOx) levy in 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023, along with the revenue raised each year, is provided in the table below

Year Number of registrations (NOx levy applied) NOx Levy €m
2023* 38,265 4.6
2022 127,375 17.4
2021 149,382 27.2

*To 28 February 2023

In relation to question 14067, I am informed by Revenue that, since the introduction of the NOx levy, the NOx emission profile of vehicles is declining. In addition, the number of imported used vehicles is also in decline. These imported used vehicles would typically have a higher NOx emission profile than newer vehicles. Based on the most recent full year data (2022), doubling of the NOx levy would yield approximately €34.8m in a full year. This estimate does not account for any behavioural changes in response to increasing the NOx levy.

In relation to question 14068, I am informed by Revenue that, based on 2022 registrations for category B vehicles and information regarding the NOx emission profile of these vehicles, the additional revenue that would be generated if the NOx levy was extended to category B registrations would be in the region of €30m. This estimate does not account for any behavioural changes in response to the additional VRT that would arise from the application of the NOx levy to category B vehicles.

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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98. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be raised if the carbon tax was doubled and the 2030 levy target was doubled to €200 per tonne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14078/23]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The most recent projection of additional carbon tax revenues provided by my Department for the period 2021 to 2030 amounted to €9.2 billion, based on the Government’s commitment to increasing the amount that is charged per tonne of CO2 emissions from fuels to €100 by 2030. This is a key pillar underpinning the Government’s Climate Action Plan ambitions to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050.

These projections for carbon tax receipts are based on a declining carbon tax base reflecting changing behaviour in response to the tax, amongst other factors. These estimates were based upon official projections from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published, in June 2021 which represented an independent assessment of Ireland’s emissions trajectory to 2030. Specifically the estimates are based on the EPA’s non-ETS (EU Emissions Trading System) ‘WAM’, or with additional measures scenario for greenhouse gas emissions, which includes the Government’s commitment to a €100 per tonne carbon tax by 2030. The EPA is working on revised projections and the Department will carry out further analysis on projected carbon tax revenue on this basis.

For straight line estimates on tax rate increases Revenue’s Ready Reckoner includes estimates for the yield from changes in duties on Carbon Tax on page 23. The Ready Reckoner is available at:

www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/ready-reckoner/index.aspx .

Where the cost of specific increases proposed are not displayed in the Ready Reckoner, they can be estimated on a straight-line or pro-rata basis from the costs shown.

I am advised by Revenue that the estimates in the Ready Reckoner are prepared on the assumption of no behavioural change in response to a change in the tax. The Revenue estimates are based on the regular volumes for each commodity expected in a normal year and are inclusive of VAT.

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