Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand the issue I wanted to raise was raised earlier by Senator Hayden. It is regarding NCT tests but I want to add to what was said. I support the Senator's call for a debate on this matter, and the Minister needs to clarify it.

Before I came into the House I was looking at the NCT website which states that one can apply to have one's test done 90 days in advance but if one applied in Macroom today, one would not get a test until March. One cannot apply and have the test done in 90 days because the people waiting in the queue cannot get it done in time to avoid breaking the law. It is inexplicable that because the system does not allow for the test to be taken somebody who is trying to adhere to the law can now, at the discretion of a garda, receive three penalty points and a fine on the side of the road. Clarity is required on this matter and the Minister should come into the House and do that as soon as possible because after 8 December, law-abiding citizens potentially will be breaking the law through no fault of their own if they were stopped by gardaí.

Regarding Waterford Institute of Technology, I support Senator Cullinane's sentiments although not their full content. Something must be done on this issue. People are saying they are not prepared to be involved in a merger but a merger was being discussed at the time I was a member of the regional authority seven or eight years ago. The concept of a merger between Carlow Institute of Technology and Waterford Institute of Technology was always on the table but for some reason people appear to be withdrawing from that now. One can bring the horse to water but one cannot make it drink, but we need clarity on the matter so that we can move on in the interests of the south east and in terms of where we go from here on the issue. I would welcome it if the Minister came into the House for a discussion on the matter as soon as possible.