Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I second the motion. As the Minister is aware, an active lobby has emanated from County Limerick as a result of frustration with regard to this issue. I participated in a parade to the local driving test centre in Abbeyfeale and I understand that several other marches have also taken place and have been successful in highlighting the issue.

The issue was taken up as a result of extreme frustration with regard to the NCT test, in particular the high failure rate. In many cases people were bitter and annoyed because of being failed on basic matters such as number plates. A number plate might be dirty or the name of the county in Irish might not appear on it. The number plate requirements are not NCT regulations. They have been laid down by the Revenue Commissioners. I often wonder if this has been made clear to motorists undergoing the test.

Motorists have been failed on petty issues. Everyone I know who goes for the national car test first takes his or her car for a full comprehensive service, which can cost between €300 and €600, or more if the car needs major repairs. Having expended that amount of money and gone through a preparatory NCT, it is extremely frustrating to be turned down. NCT preparatory work can cost as much as €60 in a garage. We all know motoring is very expensive.

The national car test was introduced in 2000 and the contract was granted for ten years. Many people perceive the NCT as a monopoly. The Minister of State will say there was competition, tenders were evaluated and the contract was granted to a single operator. That operator has had the contract for five years and it is due for review next year. The Minister will then hear various observations and he will discover the extreme frustration of motorists. Many people see the NCT as a money making racket.