Criticisms
Critics of VRT claim that it is effectively a continuation of the excise duty (which was applicable to vehicles in Ireland prior to 1992) and as such is illegal under European union law. It should also be noted that as it is calculated on the selling price of a vehicle, inclusive of VAT, so is in effect a double taxation. Along with complaints about the very high rate of tax, critics maintain the tax is ineffective in one of its stated aims the reduction of pollution from vehicles because while it may limit the number of vehicles on the road (by making new cars less affordable), it provides a disincentive for owners of older (more polluting) vehicles to replace their cars. As the tax is on vehicle ownership rather than usage there is little incentive for those who do manage to buy a car to ever consider using less polluting methods of transport.
Read more about this topic: Vehicle Registration Tax (Ireland)
Famous quotes containing the word criticisms:
“I have no concern with any economic criticisms of the communist system; I cannot enquire into whether the abolition of private property is expedient or advantageous. But I am able to recognize that the psychological premises on which the system is based are an untenable illusion. In abolishing private property we deprive the human love of aggression of one of its instruments ... but we have in no way altered the differences in power and influence which are misused by aggressiveness.”
—Sigmund Freud (1856–1939)
“The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour. Sobriety diminishes, discriminates, and says no; drunkenness expands, unites, and says yes.”
—William James (1842–1910)