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Ryan's VRT victory hailed
24.03.14
PEOPLE who borrow a
Northern Ireland car for temporary use in Donegal
should not in future have it seized nor have heavy
fines imposed thanks to an Inishowen campaigner.
Ryan Stewart won a number of judgements in the
European Court of Justice with recent confirmation
of the decision by the European Commission. |
Independent MEP Marian
Harkin today congratulated the Carndonagh-based
protestor who first presented a petition in 2010.
She said the decision would prove of particular
value to those engaging in cross border social
activities.
“There has been an ongoing and vexatious issue in
the border areas, in particular, where Northern
Ireland registered cars on loan have been subjected
to seizure and not released until heavy fines were
paid,” said Ms Harkin.
However a successful petition to the European
Commission by Mr Stewart, supported by her, now
means that Irish legislation is an error, she said. |
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Ryan Stewart. |
The European Commission
decision now means that when a car is being
temporarily used in the Republic it is not subject
to VRT because loaned cars are deemed to fall under
the free movement of capital.
“The European Commission in its judgement has stated
that if a vehicle is not intended to be used
essentially in a member state on a permanent basis
then it should be exempted from a registration tax
in that member state," added Ms Harkin.
“Because of these recent court judgements we need to
look again at the legislation that applies in these
circumstances in Ireland and amend that legislation
so that it complies with European case law." |
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