Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which is continuing to affect people across the State as the National Car Testing Service, NCTS, remains under pressure.

The operation of the NCTS is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, RSA. My Department has worked closely with the RSA and the NCT contractor, Applus, to support their efforts over the past six months. I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS face to meet the high demand for tests and the ensuing delays for vehicle owners. My officials continue to meet weekly with the authority to monitor progress in reducing test delays and ensure every possible action is being taken to reinstate an average waiting period of 12 days, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. I have also met recently with the RSA chief executive and chair to discuss this and other matters.

There has been some progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues behind this backlog. A total of 110 inspectors were recruited in 2022, including 44 recruited from outside the EEA. Recruitment of qualified vehicle inspectors is ongoing, with a cohort of 599 testers now in place and a further eight in training. A number of other measures to provide additional capacity at test centres are also in place, including increased staff overtime and the temporary transfer of 20 testers from the Spanish operation of Applus for a period of three months. Eight of these testers are continuing for a further period. New testers are assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.

Approximately 35,000 tests were conducted each week in February, a significant increase on December 2022, which averaged 25,000 per week. Although these are improvements, as of 18 February the average waiting period is just under 26 days. This reflects the high demand for test appointments expected in the first period of the year, which is traditionally the busiest time.

The service level agreement target is for an average of 12 days. The imposition of penalties on Applus for failure to meet service targets is something the RSA is pursuing. The RSA has confirmed that contract mechanisms have been applied where service levels are not met. This is under dispute with the contractor. I am advised that discussions are ongoing but, unless a resolution is reached, the issue may move to arbitration.

I have further detail on the number of free tests and will come back in my additional minute.

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