Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the qualifications, I can confirm that the temporary vehicle inspectors from Spain are qualified to QQI level 5. That is the standard in many EU member states. As the Deputy alluded to, however, until 2020, QQI level 5 certification was considered the appropriate minimum requirement for vehicle inspectors in the State. This was changed in accordance with apprenticeship changes in Ireland as well as to align with the commercial standard.

Testers in Ireland are currently required to hold QQI level 6 qualifications, but the RSA has confirmed that local applicants with QQI level 5 will be considered for a temporary period and has indicated that on-the-job training will be provided to bring testers to QQI level 6 standard. The RSA has assured my Department that the highest testing standards that we expect from the NCTS will not be compromised in any way as they work to increase testing capacity and deal with the backlogs.

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