Vol. 532 No. 4
414 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no vehicle roadworthiness tests are being carried out; if he has proposals to have testing resumed; his views on the increase in road traffic accidents; his views on whether vehicles being taxed for road use are not roadworthy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7632/01]
The industrial dispute at NCTS which gave rise to the cancellation of appointments for car tests has been resolved and normal testing operations have now been resumed. The company is drawing up plans to clear the backlog as quickly as possible without prejudicing test integrity and other performance standards. The testing of goods vehicles was not affected by the industrial action at NCTS.
I am considering carefully when to restore the requirement to present an NCT certificate on renewal of the motor tax for a car that is liable for the test at the renewal date. It will be necessary in this context to ensure that owners will have had adequate opportunity to present cars for test before the link again becomes mandatory.
