Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 202, 206 and 265 together.

The report on the outcome of the mid-term review of the national car testing service conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers for my Department was received in the Department at the end of October 2005. The Department is now in discussion with the National Car Testing Service with a view to implementing the recommendations contained in the report as soon as possible. The discussions are being conducted in accordance with the contract change procedures provided for in the project agreement between the Minister for Transport and the NCTS for the operation of the car testing service. While these discussions are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to outline the recommendations contained in the report. However, as soon as the discussions are concluded I will publish the report on the Department's website.

I have already indicated in reply to Question No. 302 of 13 December 2005 that, as recommended in the report, it is the intention to establish a technical standards forum to consider and make recommendations on vehicle technical matters associated with the national car test. I will establish such a forum in due course.

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