Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
161. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the extension of the validity of NCT certificates in view of the backlog situation that currently exists at NCT centres (details supplied); if in the interim, no driver will get a fine and-or incur penalty points in a case in which the person has confirmation that he or she has booked an NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31092/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No.477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the vehicle testing arrangements. In relation to the details provided for the person concerned, I am referring this question to the Authority for direct reply and would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
As the Deputy will be aware, on the 20 April 2020, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport at that time, Shane Ross TD, signed the Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 into law. These Regulations amended the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415 of 2017) to provide that a 4 month extension was given to test due dates for vehicles under two specific circumstances:
- vehicles that had an NCT certificate in force on 28 March 2020; and
- vehicles with a first test due falling during the period beginning on 28 March 2020 and ending on 31 July 2020.
It is not planned to amend the testing regulations further and please note that the enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
