James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Fine Gael has proposed that the current structure involving designated NCT centres should be abolished. While almost one in three cars in the State is registered in Dublin, just three of the 43 centres are in the capital. Under our proposals, motor garages would be licensed to carry out the NCT procedure after satisfying clear quality control measures and would be subject to review at licence renewal time and at regular intervals during the period of the licence. Comparing the number of cars in the city and the designated centres to test them proves there is a strong need for real reform of the system which, while primarily penalising Dublin car owners, also affects motorists countrywide.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is negligent because it does not produce sufficient information regarding the operation of the national car test. I am delighted that the Minister of State has informed the House that he will publish reports before the end of this month. A requirement of the contract was that the operators of the NCT would produce an annual report to the Department of Transport. However, since the 2001 report relating to 2000, no report has been released, increasing public scepticism and disquiet.

It is strange that the numbers of cars failing the test increases annually. Perhaps the Minister of State could explain this disturbing progression which has major financial implications for motorists. Forking out €48.40 for a test which can be failed for a minor infringement such as having a coat or books in the car boot, a scrape on the paint work or a seat belt under a seat, is farcical. I have evidence that a woman who delivered her children to school, one of whom pushed the seat belt between the rear seats, was sent home as a result and required to do a retest. This is unacceptable in this day and age. Those complaints should be investigated by some sort of tribunal. The company should not investigate itself as is the case now.