Bríd Smith
Ceist:
203. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify a previous statement in respect of the number of vehicles tested per day by car testers at NCT sites; if previously stated numbers of seven or eight per day were correct; if testers are in fact contracted to test two cars per hour during a ten-hour day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61482/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bríd Smith
Ceist:
204. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if new employees performing inspection support personnel duties at NCT sites have the minimum qualification as required by European legislation; and if they have the qualifications as set out in the tendered document. [61483/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bríd Smith
Ceist:
205. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail the section within the RSA which adjudicates on qualifications; and the reason that a level 5 qualification was referenced as a suitable qualification for car testers. [61484/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bríd Smith
Ceist:
206. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the contractor for the NCT (details supplied) has indemnified the RSA on behalf of the State in light of its new policy of hiring inspection support personnel. [61485/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bríd Smith
Ceist:
207. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the decision to hire inspection support personnel to conduct some stages of the car test at NCT sites, the tendered agreement between the State and an organisation (details supplied) has resulted in any material change to the specifications of the tender. [61486/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 to 207, inclusive, together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 203.
Question No. 205 answered with Question No. 203.
Question No. 206 answered with Question No. 203.
Question No. 207 answered with Question No. 203.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
I write further to your Dáil Question Numbers 203 to 207 in relation to the National Car Testing Service (NCTS).
Vehicle Inspectors (VIs) in 'Low volume' centres are expected to complete 14 vehicle tests in a typical 8-hour shift (approximately 1.75 vehicles per hour) and 16 vehicles in 'High volume' centres (approximately 2 tests per hour). ‘High volume’ centres are those with additional non-testing support staff such as car marshals and reception staff who assist in enhancing the efficiency of testing at centres. There has been no change to the level of vehicles scheduled per VI since 2011.
Where VIs undertake overtime, they are scheduled at the same number of tests per hour.
Until 2020, the minimum qualification for vehicle inspectors at the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) was QQI Level 5. However, this was changed in the current NCT contract to QQI Level 6, in accordance with changes in apprenticeships in Ireland and to align with qualification requirements for commercial vehicle testers. However, given the industry shortage, NCTS proposed to extend appointments to include QQI level 5 qualified mechanics as vehicle inspectors. In the past, when this standard applied, the company did not experience any difference in the quality of testing between QQI level 5 and QQI level 6 qualified inspectors. In addition, the company has noted that some other jurisdictions do not require applicants to be qualified to Level 6. It is confident that the quality and consistency of testing will be maintained under this proposal.
Taking this into account, the RSA has agreed to the contractor reverting to the appointment of QQI Level 5 qualified vehicle inspectors for a temporary period. While this has not provided many additional local applicants it has enabled the contractor to transfer vehicle inspectors from Spain. QQI Level 5 mechanics are qualified mechanics.
Separately, the NCTS has proposed to pilot the introduction of separately trained staff i.e., inspection support personnel, to carry out elements of the test, while the overall quality of the NCT will remain the responsibility of fully qualified staff. A good knowledge of vehicle mechanical systems is important for conducting NCTs, particularly when applying professional judgement to the assessment of component wear, corrosion and the like. However, parts of the test are administrative in nature, or use automated test equipment and do not require the skills of a qualified mechanic. NCTS has confirmed that it is not intended that existing vehicle inspectors would be replaced nor that anyone would lose their job, as the objective is to add to the current workforce.
This proposal was heard before the Labour Court, which has recommended a 12-month trial. The necessary processes are underway between NCTS and the Union.
The hiring of inspection support personnel does not result in any change to the specification for the test nor to the indemnity requirements of the contract.
I trust this information is of assistance to you and should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
