Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
143. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update, regarding the steps being taken to reduce the backlog for those drivers waiting to obtain a national car test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9874/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS).
I understand from the RSA that the majority of car owners receive an NCT appointment within 28 days and that in order to meet this standard, in some cases, the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) holds requests on a waiting list until a suitable slot is found.
The RSA has repeatedly emphasised that the availability of appointments on the NCTS website is not a reflection of the total number of test slots available to customers. If a person requires an early test, they should follow the advice on that website which clearly advises that if a suitable slot cannot be obtained online, to contact the NCTS call centre directly on (01) 413 5992 or to log a request for an appointment through the website.
This is the busiest period for car testing and the NCTS has introduced a number of further measures to improve service to customers. These include additional Vehicle Inspectors and call centre staff; the provision of new test lanes in 4 test centres; and the extension of opening hours at a number of others. The majority of test centres have late openings on 3 days a week to 10pm and 20 centres now have extended opening on four days per week.
A further innovation that was introduced last week is the provision, for four days each week, of a 24-hour NCT service in test centres in Dublin and Cork. In Dublin, this service is shared between the test centres at Northpoint and Deansgrange. In Cork, it is provided at Little Island.
