Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

It is because it is such an important area that Senator Dooley and I are spokespersons for our party. The national car test was introduced on 4 January 2000. Ireland was one of the last countries to comply with the EU directive, which made car testing compulsory in EU member states. The NCT is aimed primarily at improving road safety and enhancing environmental protection. National Car Testing Service is operating this service on behalf of the Government and is committed to providing the highest standards of customer service. The national car test is conducted at 43 purpose-built NCT centres nationwide. These are now open seven days a week in most areas.

Car testing was introduced in Ireland to improve road safety and environmental protection. Some people have asked why NCTS was selected as the company for the job. Like all State contracts a competitive tender process was undertaken by the then Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the contract for the development and operation of the new car testing service in Ireland was awarded to the NCTS, which submitted the lowest and best tender. Part of the contract between the Government and the company was for it to design and construct a fully integrated network of dedicated, purpose-built national car test centres around the country, which all have the same appearance regardless of location.

The testing system is computer-controlled and highly automated and provides maximum test security and accuracy. National car testing makes sense and despite what people say about it, it is working and is of benefit to the whole country. Road safety improves as it tests the roadworthiness of motor vehicles and identifies any defects, such as faulty brakes, unbalanced wheels, worn tyres, faulty lights etc. These defects must be repaired and the car must pass a retest before the car owner will be issued with an NCT certificate. Some people have experienced considerable delays in getting a retest. This issue needs to be addressed and I ask the Minister of State to investigate the matter.

All of us who use the roads on a daily basis are reassured to know that the cars, which share the road with us, are safe and not a danger to ourselves or fellow drivers. The NCT is good for the environment. We all know that properly run and reliable cars have lower emissions and use less diesel or petrol, which are a source of air pollution producing a negative effect on the environment and public health.

Over the past year or so I am thankful we have seen a significant reduction in the cost of car insurance and the NCT has played its part in this. The NCT is also playing an important role in improving safety on our roads and I hope this will continue. Better-run cars will reduce breakdowns and other problems.

Specifically on the amendment tabled by the Leader, I believe the contract signed between the Minister and National Car Testing Service is a solid one. Specific safeguards have been put in place so that the company meets the standards the Government wants. These safeguards range from the quality of premises right through to the quality of customer service and staff. It is worth noting that if these standards are not met to the satisfaction of the Government, then the company will find itself liable for financial penalties. Since the commencement of the service in January 2000 the company has not been fined. I am happy in the knowledge that if the company is not doing its job it will be sanctioned. In January a mid-term review of the NCT service will commence with a public consultation process in which we the users of the NCT service will be able to outline our concerns on all aspects of the service.

The Fine Gael motion as laid out today is somewhat misguided and badly thought through.