Written Answers Nos. 201-208
201. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that learner drivers whose NCT certificate has expired can sit their test in their own car if they have proof of an NCT booking. [61449/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred this question to the Authority for reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within 10 days.
202. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will confirm the qualifications which will replace the QQI certificate for driving instructors; the body that will have responsibility for same; the comparable educational value that this new certification will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61450/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that previously driving instructors received a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 6 Certification on passing the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) tests conducted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) which are necessary to become a driving instructor. The NFQ system is operated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) which is the State Agency with the role of external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland.
At present, upon application to the ADI process, the applicant is tasked with completing three stages before they can register as an ADI. Stage One covers the ADI Theory Test. Upon passing the theory test, the applicant can progress to Stage Two, the ADI Driving Test. Stage Three assesses the applicant’s instruction ability. The applicant is sent a registration application once they successfully pass all three stages.
I am informed that QQI has discontinued its certification of people passing the driving instructor tests provided by the RSA, as the RSA is not in fact an educational or training body. Consideration was given to whether, instead of this, the application process to become an approved driving instructor should be changed to require applicants to obtain a QQI level 6 qualification before applying to the RSA to become an ADI.
However, my department’s concern in this matter is that proper standards are required to become an ADI. The tests required to become an ADI have not changed and the standards remain the same. Requiring an additional qualification from applicants would not materially change this situation and may place an unfair financial burden on applicants.
Not seeking an additional qualification from applicants for ADI status will ensure the retention of the current application and comprehensive training process and will not delay any further recruitment of ADIs. The maintained standard protects against any detriment to the quality of learning for both the ADIs and the students of newly registered ADIs, i.e., Learner Permit holders.
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 fhreagra204. 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 fhreagra205. 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 fhreagra206. 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 fhreagra207. 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 fhreagraI 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.
208. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if there is a noise limit to which cars must adhere, particularly in cases where car exhausts have been modified in order to make greater noise; the way in which this limit is monitored and implemented; the way that this is enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61509/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraExcessive noise and exhaust emissions from vehicles can have a negative effect on public health, wellbeing and quality of life. I would reassure the Deputy that there is a robust suite of legislation in place in Ireland to regulate against the improper maintenance and upkeep of vehicle exhaust systems.
Under Section 29 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Use and Equipment of Vehicles) Regulations (SI 190 of 1963), all vehicles with a combustion engine must be fitted with an exhaust silencer or other suitable device for reducing, to a reasonable level, the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine.
In addition, Section 34(2)(e) of the same Regulations states that such silencers must be properly maintained in good and efficient working order. Similarly, Section 85(1)(a) states that a person shall not use or permit to be used, a vehicle that causes excessive noise as a result of defect, lack of repair or adjustment of the vehicle or any of its equipment.
As I understand it, excessive noise from vehicle exhaust systems is monitored at the national car test (NCT) and also at roadside enforcement checkpoints by An Garda Siochana. According to Schedule 3 of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017, which sets out the items to be tested and reasons for refusal of a test certificate, the specified noise level which a vehicle is prohibited to exceed is 99 decibels.
An Garda Síochána is responsible for enforcement of road traffic legislation and instances of infractions should be reported to local stations.
