Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

This change and the granting of this contract to Applus+ is a very significant development given that almost 11,400 cars were imported and had to be re-registered here during the first quarter of 2010. The performance of Applus+ with regard to the NCT test is the key concern of those who import cars - whether for personal use or for resale. This was the main thrust of my question, which was deleted unfortunately. The key concern relates to the administration of the NCT.

Is the Minister satisfied with the current performance of Applus+ Technologies? Does he know how many people are waiting for an NCT appointment and what is the average waiting time for an appointment? Is it still the case, as The Irish Times found last month, that at 34 of the 46 NCT centres it was not possible to receive a date for a test within six weeks and that one could not book a test more than six weeks in advance? The Minister is presiding over an NCT system that has been a total shambles and grossly unfair to our constituents since Applus+ started to operate it in January.

A few weeks ago, the late Gerry Ryan, the much missed broadcaster who died in recent days, received a call on his show from a person who, on seeking to arrange an NCT in Tipperary, was offered a test in the Dublin area several weeks later. Applus+ is responsible for the collapse of the NCT system yet the Minister does not appear to be remotely concerned.

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