Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
80. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if measures will be put in place to deal with the backlog in vehicle registration tax appointment waiting times in Cork; the nature of the measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3379/21]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that because of the interruptions to the operation of National Car Testing (NCT) centres and the continuing need to limit the number of customers attending the centres due to COVID 19 restrictions, there are delays in getting pre-registration inspection appointments.
Revenue monitors the registration service provided by National Car Testing Service (NCTS) Centres on an ongoing basis. In the context of the safety protocols relating to Covid-19, the capacity of NCTS Centres is restricted and there is less opportunity to increase their level of service than would otherwise be possible. This has resulted in delays in several Centres including the two Cork Centres. Working hours have been extended in these Centres to address the backlog. At present customers can expect to wait between 6 and 20 working days for a pre-registration appointment; the 20 day wait occurs in two NCTS centres.
The service provider has also increased its pre-inspection service for cars held by authorised motor dealers – details are at the following links: 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 and https://www.ncts.ie/1155. The registration service offered to authorised dealers on the Revenue Online Service (ROS) for new cars and cars that have been pre-inspected has remained unchanged since the original restrictions in March and such vehicles may be registered in the normal way before delivery to a customer.
Overall, Revenue is satisfied that the service being provided at present is reasonable in the context of the safety protocols that are necessary in NCTS Centres.
