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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

VRT relief for disabled motorists

Summary

Deputy Crowe raised the high cost of VRT and conversion of vans for people with disabilities. After correcting the ministerial reference, the Taoiseach said tax concessions were intended to help disabled people and that the Minister for Public Expenditure or the Minister for Finance would follow up.

I am hoping the Minister for Finance can answer this question. There are a lot of smart people in this House but I think the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister, Deputy McGrath are two of the smartest. Their combined efforts in the financial ministries have us in a strong position as a country. My question is about vehicle registration tax, VRT, for people with disabilities. Before conversion of vans, VRT averages around €22,000 to €40,000. On top of that, it typically costs €22,000 plus VAT to kit out the van afterwards. This is a cost many people simply cannot bear. I am aware some submissions have come in to the Minister's Department. Essentially we are looking to have adapted vans reclassified so that the cost is not as high and some of the VRT benefits pass on, whereby they would be treated equally to commercial vans and drivers would not pay on the double for this. I urge the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, to keep up the good work and I hope he can give us some positive news on this front.

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am afraid the Minister for Finance is not here. The former one probably knows the answer but cannot answer the question because he is not the Minister for Finance anymore.

Comment on this

I am sorry. That was a slip. I apologise.

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am aware of the issue and perhaps the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, will speak to the Deputy about it directly afterwards. If not, we will make sure the Minister for Finance, Deputy McGrath does. I understand the issue the Deputy is raising. We want to make sure we use the tax system and give tax concessions to people who have disabilities and need these vehicles as they have no other way of getting around. There are concessions in place. I know the Minister is keen to make them as successful as possible.

Comment on this

I would like to correct the record. I meant to refer to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

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