National Car Test

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Questions (299, 300)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

299. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide figures on the average waiting time for an NCT in Dublin over the past three years. [17324/23]

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300. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider officially extending the NCT validity by six months for all cars on a waiting list for an NCT until the backlog can be cleared and tests are more readily available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17325/23]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 300 together.

The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Regarding an extension of certificates, under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.

Under Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations, the initial test due date is determined by a vehicle's registration date and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of the registration date. Accordingly, any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued, not 12 months, or 24 months as relevant, from the date of testing.

Member States cannot legally postpone test due dates beyond the testing intervals set down in EU law. Extending the validity of NCT certificates for a further six months without inspection would place the State in breach of its obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive.

I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie . In the majority of cases, vehicle owners on the priority waiting list are provided with an appointment within 30 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Question No. 300 answered with Question No. 299.