The Pat Kenny Show Co current system to check if drivers have paid their motor tax
Nov 14, 2025
Gerard Herbert, motoring editor for the Irish Independent, dives into the chaos of Ireland's motor tax system. He reveals the shocking fact that the Department of Transport lacks a central database to track tax compliance. They discuss the risks of going paperless, the reliance on faulty technology for enforcement, and the significant revenue from surcharges. Gerard warns about the dangers of fraud with physical tax discs and emphasizes the need for accurate, linked databases to boost public confidence in the system.
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No Central Motor Tax Database
- The Department of Transport has no single system to verify who has paid motor tax and cannot back up its compliance claims with data.
- Going digital without fixing data links risks making enforcement and collection even less reliable.
Fix Data Systems Before Going Paperless
- Implement robust, linked databases and test them before removing paper tax discs to ensure enforcement works digitally.
- Send regular reminders by email or text to prevent widespread non-compliance from people simply forgetting to renew.
High Revenue, Low Tracking Confidence
- Motor tax yields are substantial (nearly €1bn) and most payments occur online, yet tracking is inconsistent across departments.
- The mismatch in digital capability between departments undermines revenue control and oversight.