asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any proposals to remove the £5 car registration fee in view of the Government's policy to abolish road tax.

Government policy in this matter was implemented by the abolition of road tax on all "private" cars, including taxis and hackneys, not exceeding 16 h.p. as from 1 August 1977. Payment of the £5 fee is for the purpose of continuing the registration and licensing of such vehicles and is in line with the charge on first registration of vehicles introduced by the previous Government in 1973.

Since it is probably necessary to have some fee in order that there would be a record of all machines on the road, would the Minister consider making available generally three, four or five-year discs that would obviate all the hassle that goes on looking for the yearly one?

It would be difficult to consider it because the registration system is also a check which can be used by the gardaí for criminal and security purposes. With the changing of car ownership from year to year, it is more efficient as it is.

Is it not true that a car registered in January and sold a month later involves the same risk as would obtain in a three-year or a five-year period?

Yes, but the risk would not be so widespread from year to year.

But it would be far more convenient.

If the fee is necessary, can the Minister assure the House that an increase is not contemplated, now or in the future?

I have no proposals for an increase.

Does the Minister rule out an increase in the future?

I have no proposals and I am not contemplating an increase.