Apr
22
From the Department of the Environment:
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr.
John Gormley T.D., today welcomed the results of a Red C
Poll conducted by the Irish Taxation Institute on the new Motor Tax/VRT
systems which will be operational from 1/7/08. On changes to the motor
tax system, the survey found that 65% of those who planned to buy a car
in the next 12 months would be more likely to change to a car with lower
emissions.
I welcome the results of this Red C Poll as it shows that the Irish
people will respond positively to smart green taxation measures. In
making the changes to an emissions based system it was my intention to
incentivise those that made the right decision to purchase cars with low
emissions. The results of the Poll are proof positive that the changes
to the Motor Tax /VRT will have the desired effect.
The survey suggests that further education of the public about the
proposed changes may lead to further increased demand for cars with low
emissions. As part of an education program it is my intention to
conduct a public information campaign, in the month before commencement
of the new system on 1st July 2008, to further highlight the positive
benefits of purchasing a car with lower emissions.
A key part of both the motor tax and VRT initiatives will be a new
mandatory labeling system for cars based on CO2 emission levels. The
new label will include consumer-friendly information on a vehicle’s
CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency. The label will be similar to the
energy rating label which already exists for many consumer electrical
goods and which is already familiar to consumers.
I am currently preparing separate legislation to give effect to these proposals. The
new labeling regime will be accompanied by an active public information
campaign which will promote the purchase of fuel efficient cars.