Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
35. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport how many people are currently waiting on NCT appointments in NCT centres (details supplied); the average waiting times for same once an online booking has been made; and to provide the information in tabular form. [31424/23]
View answer36. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the current timeframes for an NCT appointment date in each testing centre nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31425/23]
View answer37. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to outline what measures his Department is undertaking to address the lengthy delays motorists are having in obtaining appointments for NCTs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31426/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 36 and 37 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's queries 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.
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, 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 extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 635 testers operating or in training and testers are being assigned to test centres with the most significant delays.
The RSA is supporting the service provider to improve the availability of customer booking slots and to return the service to 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.
