Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
74. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to address the backlog of NCT tests and the long wait time for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30511/22]
View answerI want to firstly clarify to the Deputy that the operation and oversight of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Neither I as Minister for Transport, nor my department, have a direct role in operational matters, including the demand management process for test appointments. However, I am very aware of the serious challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the frustrating delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. I would like to thank Deputy Richmond and our other colleagues for raising this important matter.
Since January of this year, the NCTS has reported a severe testing backlog and a higher-than-usual rate of test cancellations. The average lead time for an appointment has almost doubled from a pre-pandemic average of 12 days to just over 23 days. I understand that this has been caused by a number of factors. Notably, the service experienced extremely high demand for test appointments in the first months of the year, in conjunction with the continuing impact of Covid-19 on staff and customers and long-term challenges to recruit suitably qualified staff.
The RSA is overseeing the NCTS response to address the backlog. A priority waiting list system has been established to allow vehicle owners who urgently need a test date to avail of appointments made available through cancellations. The RSA has indicated that 99% of customers are given a test date within 28 days.
My department has additionally been informed that the NCTS has taken a number of steps in the immediate term to provide additional capacity at test centres, including staff overtime and longer shift schedules. However, in the longer-term, the recruitment of suitably qualified vehicle inspection staff (QQI Level 6) remains challenging. As I understand it, the RSA has agreed that NCTS may pilot the use of additional personnel at QQI Level 5 for a 12-month period to assist with automated elements of the test process in order to increase overall capacity. There are 15 vehicle Inspectors to commence training this month, with further intakes of staff planned from August onwards.
A decrease in the current high NCT waiting times will depend on recruitment and the net increase in staffing towards a target of 620 additional personnel. It is expected to be the end of 2022 before capacity meets demand.
This is a serious matter and I and my department will continue to monitor the RSA's progress to reduce test delays closely as part of ongoing corporate governance processes.
