Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
317. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport to reverse the decision of refusing cash payments for the NCT; if this change is breaching EU regulations that public entities that provide essential services to citizens can not apply restrictions or refuse cash payments without sufficient reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38189/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport whether he was consulted, by the RSA or the company that has the franchise for the delivery of the State’s NCT car testing system, in relation to the proposed decision, announced recently, that it is intended by the service to eliminate the acceptance of payment by the public in the legal tender notes of the EU Central Bank; if so, his response to the consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38191/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if the decision by the Road Safety Authority to move to cashless payments for NCTs will be reconsidered; the options available to persons with digital literacy issues that are unable to pay online; the additional costs that these persons will incur if carrying out payment by postal order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38234/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra339. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider stopping the move by NCT centres to go cashless as this goes against having an inclusive society. [38368/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra361. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will take action to ensure the NCT service continues to accept cash from customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38490/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 318, 325, 339 and 361 together.
I am aware of a proposal by the NCT operator to introduce a cashless service. My Department has advised the RSA that alternative payment options for NCT appointments must be made available, to ensure that all motorists, including those without access to electronic or card payment systems, can continue to pay for the service.
The RSA is currently in discussion with the NCT operator about payment systems. Any change to payment methods must be agreed with the RSA and as above, the Department will require that the NCT service will be able to be paid for using cash, within the terms of the contract in place. Payments will not be restricted to credit card or electronic payments. The Department will require that a cash pre- payment option may be used to pay for the NCT service if it moves to a pre-payment system.
The RSA has committed to keeping my Department informed of developments on this issue, as a matter of priority.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have referred the Deputy's queries 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.
