Vol. 508 No. 3
114 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, being taken to alert car owners to new requirements regarding the compulsory testing of vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18709/99]
Public awareness/information on the national car test is being promoted both by my Department and National Car Testing Service Limited, the company responsible for the operation of the scheme.
A national car test manual was published by my Department in August 1999; this is available from the Government Publications Sales Office and gives details of test procedures and standards.
A press and radio public awareness campaign sponsored by my Department has been completed. In addition, Department has distributed some 1 million information leaflets and posters about NCT to motor tax offices, Garda stations, local authority offices, libraries, driving test centres, and other outlets. From 1 October, all motor tax renewal reminders include an information note giving details of the NCT.
An intensive TV, radio, press and leaflet campaign is now being mobilised by NCTS. The company has also put in place a website together with a lo-call customer inquiries facility. NCTS hosts meetings of a consultative forum, representative of the Garda Síochána, National Safety Council, National Roads Authority, Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Irish Insurance Federation, Director of Consumer Affairs, Irish Motor Dealers Association, the RIAC, and the AA. In addition the NCTS has organised a number of seminars for the motor industry so as to make garage owners fully aware of the NCT particularly the items to be tested and the standards to be applied during the test.
