Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a relation who had great difficulty with the test. She was a reasonably good driver but struggled every time she went for a test. The approach taken with people who are in a nervous state is fantastic. I compliment the RSA for the effort it takes to put people's minds at rest.

I will turn to consider the national car test, NCT. I do not deal with members of the public too often, but a man came to me the other day. He is looking for an NCT because his current certificate runs out at the end of February or early March. He was offered an NCT in late September. We are being told that the Garda will take a sympathetic view but the law is the law and one must have a vehicle that has passed a test and that is it. If a particular garda chooses to take a lenient or sympathetic approach, that is very much down to him or her. I understand Applus is trying to recruit people. Where does that stand now?