Brian Lenihan
Question:36 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, to date on the introduction of a compulsory MOT, further to EU regulations. [17854/96]
Written Answers. - Roadworthiness Testing.
Noel Dempsey
Question:80 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, which has been made in relation to the introduction of MOT testing for cars and light goods vehicles in line with an EU Directive in this regard. [17174/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 80 together.
Roadworthiness testing of light goods vehicles was phased in during 1993-94 and is fully operational in line with EC Council Directive 88/449/EEC of 26 July 1988.
EC Council Directive 91/328 of 21 June 1991 requires those member states, including Ireland, which do not already have a system of periodic roadworthiness testing of cars to have such a system in operation by 1998 in relation to cars over four years old. The Government has approved arrangements to introduce such a scheme which will have positive impacts in the areas of road safety, the environment and job creation.
The principal features of the scheme will be as follows: testing will apply to some 750,000 cars over four years old — including second-hand imports; cars over four years old will be tested every two years; testing will be phased in, with older cars being tested in 1998 and with all cars over four years old being tested by the end of 1999; testing will be carried out at dedicated test centres operated by a franchise to be appointed following an open competitive tendering process; the level of test fee will be one of the key criteria in the assessment of tender proposals; test centres will be strategically located to minimise the distance motorists will be required to travel for a test and consideration will be given to the use of mobile test centres in more remote areas.
Arrangements for the competition for the testing franchise will be made as soon as possible. The Minister for Finance is considering the possible extension of the car scrappage scheme, under which up to 25,000 older cars will have been taken off the road by the end of 1996.