asked the Minister for the Environment the likely date for the introduction of a scheme for the compulsory annual testing of used passenger vehicles.
Written Answers. - Testing of Passenger Vehicles.
219.
Passenger vehicles, with more than eight passenger seats, are subject to compulsory annual roadworthiness tests, since 1 January 1983. Accordingly I assume the Deputy's question is in relation to annual testing of smaller passenger vehicles including private cars. It is not possible, at this stage, to indicate the likely date for the introduction of such testing.
I need some further time to gauge the practical experience of the operation of the existing scheme for the testing of commercial vehicles. In accordance with the terms of the recent press release on motor insurance costs, the Garda are also considering the proposed introduction, on a pilot basis, of a scheme whereby they would advise motorists of safety defects in their cars and instruct them to remedy such defects within a given period.