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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 3

Written Answers - Car Testing.

Willie Penrose

Question:

23 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when compulsory car testing will commence in Ireland; the proposals, if any, for the phasing in of testing by the Government; if these proposals have been agreed by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5899/98]

Ivor Callely

Question:

27 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, that will be put in place to accommodate the introduction of car testing; the procedures, if any, in place to be considered for appointment as an official at a test centre; the discussions, if any, he has had with the motor industry on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5871/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 27 together.

It is intended to bring car testing into operation early next year. Testing will be carried out at dedicated test centres under the control of a contractor to be appointed on a national basis following an EU-wide competitive tendering process. Test centres will be strategically located to facilitate access and mobile test centres may be used in more remote areas. Subject to these and other requirements regarding service standards, the location and staffing of test centres will be a matter for the appointment contractor. Testing will be introduced on a phased basis; details of this phasing will be finalised later.

The above proposals have already been communicated to, and noted by, the European Commission. They have also been signalled to the interested public, including the motor industry, in press releases and briefings. In addition, my Department has undertaken consultation with a wide range of interested parties, including the motor industry, about the detailed paramaters for car testing.
Coopers and Lybrand has recently been engaged as the consultants to assist my Department in relation to the franchise competition, including the preparation of tender documents and the selection of the contractor.
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