Vol. 571 No. 3
248 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the reason there was an inconsistency regarding the issue of rear seat belts on a motor vehicle (details supplied) which passed an NCT in 2001 and failed on the same issue of rear seat belts in August 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21825/03]
A test certificate was refused for this vehicle in August 2003 because the safety belts provided for rear seat passengers did not comply with the relevant seat belts requirements.
Vehicles first registered since 1 January 1992 are required to be fitted with lap and diagonal safety belts for all outer forward facing seats, both front and back. It is understood that the safety belts in the rear of this vehicle are of a lap only type. I am satisfied that the decision by NCTS not to issue a test certificate for the vehicle in respect of the NCT carried out in August 2003 was correct.
Having regard to the seat belt arrangements in this vehicle the issue of a test certificate in 2001 was in error. The matter has been taken up with NCTS by my Department with a view to avoiding similar errors in the future.
