178 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Finance the number of new motor vehicles registered here for the six months of 2004; the way in which this compares with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20712/04]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total number of new motor vehicles registered for VRT purposes in the first six months of the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive are set out in the table below.

The figures include registrations of vehicles that are exempt from VRT.