Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that. Arising from the implementation of the final phase of the NCT which took place on 15 September 2003, failure on any test item became a reason for refusal of a test certificate. The Government decided at that stage to assess the operation and the new arrangements that were put in place. The Minister, Deputy Brennan, agreed to report on the matter, but it has not materialised. I hope the Minister of State will publish the report and that he will make available at the earliest possible date the further report which was to be compiled after September 2003. He must act on the inconsistencies in the NCT throughout the country.

Senator Brian Hayes alluded to the lack of testing centres in Dublin. While I am not au fait with the testing facilities in Dublin, I take his point that it needs more test centres. The proposal in the motion should be examined. Changing to a licensed garage testing system offers the best chance of securing a balance between fulfilling the requirements of a car testing service and ensuring public confidence in the service. I hope the Minister of State will take into account the two reports and the inconsistencies involved and that he will report to the House at the earliest possible date.