Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me respond to the various points the Deputy put to me. The first concerned the online indication as to when an appointment can be secured. I have discussed this with the Road Safety Authority and have been told that the indicator shows the average waiting time but that if somebody who needs an NCT to meet his legal requirements telephones his centre directly, he will receive an appointment time inside the required deadline in the vast majority of cases. From my contact with the Road Safety Authority on this matter, which has been raised with me by constituents and other Oireachtas Members, I have learned the authority is clear that if the time on the website does not meet the needs of the vehicle owner, he should contact his test centre. All steps are being taken to give people an appointment time that suits their needs.

Regarding the second point the Deputy made, I will certainly check further to determine whether there is any regional trend behind the national average times that should be of concern. I have been assured by the Road Safety Authority that this is being managed to ensure people can get their NCT certificate granted or renewed.

Let me consider the Deputy's final question, on changing the implementation period or lead time. This has been advertised for quite a while and it has been the subject of radio advertising to raise awareness. I am planning to enact the measure in early December to make the important change happen. I expect that if people's NCTS test date is due to fall within a reasonable period, the Garda will exercise discretion. I will examine the regional allocations to note whether they correspond with the trends alluded to by the Deputy. However, I must stress again, from having checked with Road Safety Authority, that if contact is made with the NCTS by telephone, an appointment can be given in the timeframe that meets one’s needs.

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