Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 3

Written Answers. - Car Testing.

Jim Higgins

Ceist:

59 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of test centres he will put in place for testing of the road worthiness of motor cars; the locations of these centres; the monitoring and supervision arrangements which will be carried out by his Department in this regard; if the test centres will be advertised or put out for public tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20040/97]

Liz McManus

Ceist:

252 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he intends to introduce MOT testing; whether it will be contracted out nationally or done through local businesses; the way in which the system will be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20175/97]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 252 together.

Car testing will be carried out at dedicated test centres under the control of a franchisee to be appointed on a national basis following an open competitive tendering process. Test centres will be strategically located in a national network to minimise the travel distance for motorists; in addition consideration will be given to the use of mobile test centres in more remote areas. Final decisions have yet to be made on the number of specific location of test centres.

My Department will supervise the operation of the car testing system at national level. Such supervision is likely to include annual reviews of the franchisee's performance, a detailed review midway through the ten year franchise period and comprehensive quality control monitoring of test centres.

Preparations for the scheme have reached the stage where the appointment of management consultants will be made shortly, to assist my Department in relation to the franchise competition including the preparation of tender documents and the appointment of the franchisee.

It is intended that testing will be introduced as early as possible bearing in mind the substantial preparatory work involved and the EU deadline of 1998-99.