Vol. 492 No. 3
15 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the schedule for the implementation of the EU Directive 96/96 EC on roadworthiness testing of private cars over four years old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13747/98]
It is intended to introduce car testing as early as practicable next year. Testing will be carried out at dedicated test centres under the control of a contractor to be appointed on a national basis. An EU wide competitive tendering process is now under way in my Department with a view to selecting the contractor by autumn 1998. Further details of start up arrangements will depend on the particular proposals of the selected contractor, including the ability to mobilise promptly the network of test centres and other resources.
