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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 May 1986

Vol. 366 No. 8

Written Answers. - Road Vehicle Testing.

48.

asked the Minister for the Environment if it is his intention to introduce testing of road vehicles; if so, if the inspection of these vehicles will be carried out by inspectors specially recruited by his Department for this work in view of the criticism which has taken place in the UK of favouritism by certain garages in carrying out inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

At present, compulsory annual roadworthiness testing applies to over 40,000 vehicles comprising goods vehicles and trailers over 1.5 tons unladen weight, passenger vehicles with more than eight passenger seats, taxis and ambulances. Testing is primarily carried out by 93 vehicle testers — 85 private garages and eight CIE garages — appointed by local vehicle licensing authorities (motor tax offices). All vehicle testers must have suitable premises and equipment and must carry out testing in accordance with standards laid down by my Department. Vehicle testers are supervised by authorised officers of both the local vehicle licensing authorities and my Department.

The EC Commission have recently published a draft Directive proposing to extend compulsory annual roadworthiness testing, on a phased basis, to cars and to light goods vehicles over three years old. The detailed implications of the EC Commission's proposal are being assessed in my Department.

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