Michael Healy-Rae
Question:85. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding VRT delays in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47998/19]
View answerWednesday, 20 November 2019
Questions (85)
Written answers
I am advised by Revenue that the appointed agents for the registration of vehicles, Applus, currently provide VRT facilities in 29 centres located throughout the country. Revenue advises that it is very careful to monitor the level of service provided by the service provider Applus on an ongoing basis and is satisfied that the service currently provided is reasonable given the level of demand for appointments. The service can be stretched at times but overall the service provision is reasonable. In the event that the demand increases beyond the current capacity of the NCTS network of centres, Revenue works with Applus to ensure that additional resources are deployed as required.
In relation to this specific query, I am advised by Revenue that the average appointment waiting time for the last 2 months in the Blarney centre was 19 days with the current waiting times standing at 16 days. Based on this data, Revenue is satisfied that current resources are reasonable and sufficient to meet the demand.
Revenue also provides additional facilities to assist authorised motor dealers including the provision of a pre-inspection facility which involves mobile units calling to individual dealerships to pre-inspect vehicles and set them up on the Revenue system for registration. This removes the necessity of attending an NCTS centre and allows the registration of the vehicle on the Revenue ROS service at the point of sale. Details are on the Revenue website at this link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/guide-to-vrt/authorised-dealers-and-processes/pre-inspection-by-national-car-testing-service-ncts.aspx . This facility is not available to non-motor dealers and Revenue recommends that it is used to avoid delays in registration.
There are currently no plans to open any additional centres in Cork as there are currently two centres serving this area.