Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Am I correct in saying that in 2009, Volkswagen changed the emissions? Does this mean that the emissions from a car built now are the same as those from a car that was built in 2008, because this did not work, or are they greater now? Is it true that Volkswagen has now stopped selling all of its vehicles, including Transporter vans, Caddies and so on, in Ireland? Is there a plan for dealers who live on the turnover from selling such vehicles? Their income will decrease massively.

As with many other vehicles down through the years, modification is an issue. Software and hardware were mentioned. What hardware does Volkswagen use? Are liners or pistons changed? Are intercepter boxes installed, or has the problem been solved? The problem does not affect the ability to drive a car or its day-to-day running. Rather, we are focused on emissions.

I note with interest that when cars go for the NCT they are revved up to check emissions - they get a fairly good revving in Ireland. How were cars able to beat the machine? Reference was made to NOx and other emissions. I am open to correction, but I understood the presentation stated that when driving on the road the emissions were greater than when a car was standing or being revved. Was there a block box or hardware stopping emissions from being detected when cars were standing?