Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
1137. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged with officials from the European Commission, with a view to allowing an exemption from the NCT for cars that have been pre-declared off the road prior to the expiration of their NCT certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58001/12]
View answerEU Directive 2009/40/EC requires cars to undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter. However, Member States are permitted to test more frequently and an annual NCT for cars 10 years and older commenced in Ireland with effect from 1 June 2011. Current EU legislation does not provide for a deferment of the due date for mandatory testing, and test dates are set by reference to the date of the first registration of the vehicle.
In 2012, my officials contacted the EU Commission to enquire about the possibility of using the flexibility afforded under Article 4.2 of 2009/40 to facilitate a deferment of the testing due date on the basis that the vehicle had not been used in a public place for a period prior to the scheduled test date. The initial advice received suggests that such a scenario does not fall within the intent and comprehension of the quoted Article. When a definitive response has been received, I will bring it to the Deputy's attention.
