424. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider undertaking a fresh assessment of the potential introduction of personalised vehicle registration numbers in Ireland, including the potential demand for such a scheme, the costs associated with its introduction and the additional revenue that could be generated for the Exchequer. [65546/26]

The Finance Act 1992 (as amended) provides for the registration of vehicles, the charging of vehicle registration tax and the assignment of a unique identification mark to each vehicle upon registration. The Vehicle Registration and Taxation Regulations, 1992 (as amended), set out the detailed requirements for the format of vehicle registration plates. Certain characteristics of Irish plates are aligned with other countries across the EU through the accordance of our legislation with Council Regulation (EC) 2411/98 and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

The Regulations prescribe the format for a vehicle’s unique identification mark – commonly known as its ‘registration number’ – which, essentially, indicates the year and period when registered, the county, and the number assigned at registration, with these numbers generally being assigned in sequence. There is provision that, for a fee of €1,000, a vehicle owner may reserve a vehicle registration number, but this registration number must also comply with the prescribed format. The Regulations do not provide for personalised identification marks or registration plates, and the Irish system of prescribing identification marks does not lend itself to the introduction of such an arrangement.

The systems development required for the introduction of personalised number plates, including adjustments to registration plate recognition systems, would more than likely outweigh the potential benefits to the Exchequer from the possibility of charging higher fees for personalised numbers.

The existing identification mark is integral to the operations of a number of agencies apart from Revenue, including An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport. Any changes to the current framework would need to be informed by the relevant State enforcement and regulatory bodies impacted.