Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
162. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport whether the system previously operated for priority booking for NCT tests has been taken down form the online booking system; if he will outline the protocols for prioritisation of urgent applications that is being operated; and when he expects delays will be back to an acceptable level. [30868/23]
View answer166. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the reason someone seeking a priority appointment through the NCT cannot do so until the original test date has passed; if he intends to make any changes in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30965/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The priority waiting list established by the NCTS contractor to facilitate vehicle owners seeking urgent appointments is an operational matter and is not provided for in road traffic legislation. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputies' queries to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials continue to meet weekly with the Authority, to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
There has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which have caused this backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation last year, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 635 testers operating or in training, testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
RSA is supporting the service provider to improve the availability of customer booking slots and to return the service to the service level agreements. In the interim, I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
