Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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209. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider the introduction of an instalment payment option for those making payments to Revenue for payments such as vehicle registration tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25069/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Section 132(2) of Finance Act 1992 (as amended) provides that Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) becomes due and payable, by the person registering or declaring that vehicle in the State, at the point when that vehicle is registered or declared. All motor vehicles must be registered within 30 days of their date of entry into the State.

When a new vehicle is purchased, the motor dealer registers the vehicle at the point of sale and VRT becomes payable. VRT is included in the purchase price of the vehicle. A motor trader may apply for a deferred payment arrangement under section 136 of Finance Act 1992 (as amended). Under this arrangement, payment of the VRT is deferred until the 15th day of the month following the month of registration of the vehicle. Such deferred payments are secured by means of a guarantee issued by a financial institution in the State.

A used vehicle imported into the State must be presented for registration within 30 days of its date of entry into the State at the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). Revenue assigns a registration number to the vehicle, and this is issued to the person registering the vehicle by the NCTS on payment of the VRT.

Given the nature of the tax Revenue does not consider it appropriate to introduce an instalment payment option for VRT.