Vol. 553 No. 2
583 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reasoning behind issuing an NCT certificate for a period of less than two years to a new owner of a vehicle, when the previous owner had failed to bring the car for the test on time; the reason the new owner should be penalised; and if he will introduce legislation to address this anomaly. [13844/02]
In accordance with EU Directive 96/96/EC, passenger cars are required to undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter. The age and consequently the first-test-due date is determined by reference to the date of initial registration of the vehicle with subsequent test-due dates falling every two years after the first test-due date. Where a NCT inspection does not occur on the original test due date, the NCT certificate is valid from the date of the test to the next test-due date. This is to ensure that the car is again liable for a test in accordance with the test schedule laid down in the directive. As ownership is not a criterion in determining the test due dates, I have no plans to change the current arrangements.
