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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Car Test.

Michael Bell

Question:

100 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of cars tested to date under the national car inspection test; the number of vehicles which failed the test; the plans, if any, he has to assist those on low incomes whose cars fail the test, particularly in areas where there is no adequate public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1570/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

555 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the failure rate in respect of motor car testing is equal to or in excess of that arising from similar testing in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1680/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 555 together.

The national car test commenced operation on 4 January 2000. It is too early therefore to provide representative data in relation to it; most recent data indicates however that more than 10,000 cars will have so far undergone the NCT, with a failure rate of some 52%.

The following table compiled from 1997 data indicates a range of failure rates in other jurisdictions.

Country

Failure Rate

Belgium

48%

Holland

18%

Spain

80%

Sweden

52%

UK

36%

Northern Ireland

23%

Germany

52%

I intend that Deputies, and the wider public, will have access to systematic and representative data on the NCT through periodic reports which my Department will publish on its website and in other suitable media. I do not accordingly intend to provide detailed statistical information regarding the NCT on an ad hoc basis, and I ask for the House's understanding of this position in the context of future questions.
As regards the question of assistance to persons on low incomes, I refer the Deputies to the reply to Questions Nos. 80, 114 and 571 on today's Order Paper.
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