Fórsa has tabled its concerns to local authority management about proposed legislation, announced in July, to eliminate the paper tax discs currently issued in receipt of motor tax payment. 

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan brought the proposal to Cabinet in July, arguing that paper tax discs are no longer practical. Under existing legislation, the tax information would be readily available to Gardaí online, through the car’s registration plate.

Fórsa said there’s been no engagement with staff about the proposals, with the unilateral announcement by Government taking everyone by surprise. 

The union’s head of Local Government Richy Carrothers said the union is now calling on the government to “proceed carefully” and to evidence any research or information to support the decision. 

He added: “Fórsa has tabled its concerns to the management of the local government sector, and we’ve sought further information. In the rush to progress this issue for the sake of convenience, we need to guard against unintended consequences. 

“If traffic Gardaí are relying on online motor tax information, what measures can they take in the event of system or device failure? The paper disc is not a costly measure, but it does provide ‘at-a-glance’ information which useful to Gardaí,” he said.

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