Vehicle Testing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2016

Thursday, 30 June 2016

Questions (263)

Robert Troy

Question:

263. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or a body under its aegis has undertaken, or plans to undertake, an investigation into the levels of health-damaging pollutants emitted by diesel or petrol car models in the Irish market in the aftermath of an emissions testing scandal (details supplied); if he has undertaken a study measuring the differences in nitrogen oxide emissions measured in laboratory and under normal driving conditions as the Department of Transport in the United Kingdom has done; and if so, the results of these investigations. [19031/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The emissions issue referred to by the Deputy includes consumer rights issues, primarily, and environmental protection issues rather than road safety. My colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has primary responsibility for consumer affairs, while my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has primary responsibility for environmental matters.  As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have no policy or legislative responsibility in relation to investigating the levels of health damaging pollutants emitted into the environment.

With regard to measuring the differences in nitrogen oxide emissions detected in laboratory versus normal driving conditions, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), under the remit of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, is Ireland's National Type Approval Authority for motor vehicles.  I understand that the NSAI do not currently conduct any such investigations.

My Department recognises that the issues around emissions require the involvement of a number of Government Departments and is engaged where its responsibilities can assist colleagues in addressing certain complex areas.