Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been contacted by a number of road hauliers who are struggling at the moment. Part of the problem is the fact that their vehicles are off the road because business is so poor. They are concerned that a road worthiness certificate will only be issued for six months. There are also delays in the issuing of commercial roadworthiness certificates. I raise this issue in an effort to bring clarity to the matter and determine if the Minister of State and his officials and aware of this anomaly. There are significant additional costs involved in having roadworthiness tests carried out every six months. I am not sure that the Department is aware of the fact that there is a delay in issuing a certificate when a vehicle has succeeded in meeting the criteria. I look forward to the Minister of State's response. I hope common sense will prevail and the issue can be resolved.