Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 2

Written Answers. - National Car Test.

Noel Ahern

Question:

129 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of NCTs by a company (details supplied) held to date; when the contract will be due for renewal; the number of complaints received in this regard; if many of these concerned inconsistent readings of exhaust emissions; if the conditions and heat of engines need to be adjusted and standardised for such tests; if the standards operated by this company have been agreed with the Department and the motor manufacturers; if he will refer to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who had to undergo three tests, two on the same morning, which resulted in different readings on this company's premises. [2622/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

The contract between the Department and the National Car Testing Service Limited – NCTS – runs until the end of the year 2009. Last year, a total of 787 complaints were received by NCTS and 255 of these related to the conduct of the test. Statistics are not available on the number that related to inconsistent readings of exhaust emissions.

The most recent information from NCTS is that up to and including 27 of January 2001, 333,583 initial tests and 167,901 re-tests were carried out. The standards and methodology for all aspects of the NCT including emissions testing is set out by the Department in the NCT Manual 1999, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library. The emissions test is to be carried out when the engine is at normal operating temperature – recommended by the car manufacturer. My Department is asking the NCTS to review the individual tests referred to and to revert to the car owner.