Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
707. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Road Safety Authority's recommendations on the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles (details supplied); the planned future recommendations of the authority; if the 30-year exemption will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12907/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra710. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will return to the pre-2010 regulation exempting veteran and vintage vehicles from the national car test on a rolling 30 year basis in view of the fact that most owners and preservers of vintage vehicles are engaged in a hobby, and the vehicles are used mainly for vintage vehicle runs and static shows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12964/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra718. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received recommendations from the Road Safety Authority following its consultation on roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles; when the recommendations will be published and a decision made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13194/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra719. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider returning to the pre-2010 rolling 30 year exemption from roadworthiness testing for vehicles insured and taxed as vintage vehicles and used for social and domestic purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13195/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 707, 710, 718 and 719 together.
The review by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of the arrangements in relation to the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles will be examined by my officials for submission of recommendations to me which I will consider in due course.
Both the National Car Test and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test are important preventative measures that continue to make a significant contribution to road safety in this country. The days of having large numbers of unsafe vehicles using our roads are largely gone as vehicles are tested to the highest international standards and I want to ensure that we do not go back to those days.
However, I appreciate the value of the vintage and veteran vehicle movement to the heritage and cultural life of our country. I am advised that none of the recommendations contained in the RSA's review would involve those who currently enjoy an exemption from compulsory testing, that is, those owners of cars and motor caravans first registered prior to 1st January 1980 and used for social and domestic purposes, being brought within the compulsory roadworthiness testing regime.
