There is nothing to prevent motorists applying for tax discs in respect of uninsured and fictitious cars, the Department of Environment has admitted.
It was responding to queries yesterday after Independent Senator Joe O'Toole applied for and received a tax disc after providing the motor tax online service with made-up details about his insurance company and policy number.
Mr O'Toole accused the State of facilitating the registration of uninsured drivers. He said more than a year ago it appeared possible to tax an uninsured car through the online service. He said he had understood this was a minor problem that was being corrected.
However, last week he tested the system again and nothing had changed. While a motorist's car registration and credit card details are checked, the insurance policy details are not. Mr O'Toole inputted an imaginary number.
"They took the money and promised me the tax disc within days. I thought they would discover the false details. The pristine and perfect road tax disc arrived yesterday." Mr O'Toole said insurers had offered to participate in a central sharing of data, "but the department will not move on it".
The department first said responsibility for the National Vehicle and Drivers' File (NVDF) was moved to the Department of Transport several months ago.
However, a spokesman for the Department of Transport said the matter was the responsibility of the Department of Environment.
The Department of Environment said that the Minister for Transport was "in discussion" with insurers about data checks on the online service.
