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National Car Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Ceisteanna (172)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

172. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time for NCT appointments in various parts of the country; the plans to clear the backlog; and if he is considering extending the life of existing certificates as a way to take pressure off the system. [33679/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

With regard to extending the validity of existing test certificates, EU Member States are required to carry out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at specified regular intervals. 

Under Regulation 3(2) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), which sets out the applicable dates for periodic testing, the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined using the date of registration of that vehicle and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of that date. Accordingly, all test due dates are predetermined based on the date of registration of a vehicle and any NCT certificate issued in respect of a vehicle is only valid up to the test due date that falls after that certificate was issued.

Ireland, like all EU Member States, is obliged to adhere to the specified minimum intervals between roadworthiness inspections. Permitting the validity of roadworthiness certificates to be extended without inspection would place the State in breach of our obligations under European law and may negatively impact road safety should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive. There are no current plans to amend this legislation.

However, I am very aware of the serious challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. This is a serious matter. My department will continue to monitor the RSA's progress to reduce test delays as part of its ongoing corporate governance processes.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
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