Seán Haughey
Question:324 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if old age pensioners will be exempted from the charge for the national car test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14346/02]
Written Answers. - National Car Test.
The framework for the national car test, NCT, involves its operation on a public private partnership and self-financing basis. The contract for the NCT was awarded on foot of EU competitive tendering procedures and has the objectives of optimising test integrity, customer service and value for money. The two-yearly test, which costs €48.40, provides a high quality diagnostic service using computerised testing equipment. The re-test fee has been fixed at €27.20 where use of test equipment is necessary; otherwise, re-tests will be carried out free of charge.
Private motoring costs have not in the past received public subsidies, apart from the reliefs of VAT-VRT, motor tax and fuel tax afforded for the benefit of persons with disabilities. I do not consider that the introduction and operation of the national car test justifies a departure from the well established principle of non-subsidy of private motoring costs, and I do not accordingly envisage a change in present arrangements.
David Stanton
Question:325 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if the national car test carried out on public service vehicles and the certificate issued as a result of a vehicle passing the test, can continue to be valid when and if the vehicle reverts to private and domestic use; if not, the reasons therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14547/02]
David Stanton
Question:326 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow the national car test certificate, which is issued following the successful completion of the national car test, in the case of vehicles sold by motor dealers which may have been held in stock for quite some time by the motor dealer, to be dated from the date of the actual test and not to be backdated to a prior date when the test would normally have taken place if the vehicle was in private ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14557/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
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 first test due date is determined by reference to the date of the 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 testing arrangements for motor dealers along the lines suggested in the question would run contrary to the test schedule in the directive, I do not propose to modify the present arrangements.
Where a taxi-hackney reverts to private use the NCT certificate issued in respect of the vehicle as a taxi-hackney will continue to remain valid until the expiry date specified on the certificate at which stage a NCT is required. Subsequent tests for the vehicle will fall due in accordance with the normal criteria, which are outlined above.
Seán Haughey
Question:327 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the standards in place for the NCT are too strict; if he will allow faults found in cars to be rectified in the NCT centre itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14632/02]
The national car test, NCT, was introduced in order to implement the requirements of EU Directive 96/96/EC relating to the roadworthiness testing of passenger cars. The directive specifies the items to be tested as part of a roadworthiness test and the NCT reflects the directive's requirements. The standards for the test are such that a vehicle that has been maintained and operated to the manufacturer's requirements is unlikely to be refused a test certificate.
To avoid the potential for a conflict of interests and to reinforce the independence and integrity of the car testing scheme, the national car testing service, NCTS, is not permitted to carry on any vehicle-related business apart from testing. This has helped to establish a high level of public acceptance of the NCT and I have no plans to change the arrangement.