Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 577: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason a vehicle (details supplied) must undergo an NCT in 2005; if he has satisfied himself that the NCT rules are being appropriately administered in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1370/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with EU Directive 96/96/EC, passenger cars are required to undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter, with test-due dates determined by reference to the date of first registration of the vehicle. Under the phased implementation of the NCT, cars first registered between 1992 and 1996 were first liable for the NCT in 2001 by reference to the anniversary of their first registration, with subsequent test-due dates falling every two years after the first test-due date. With a first registration date of 5 June 1996, the test-due schedule for the vehicle in question, a private car, commenced on 5 June 2001, with the subsequent test-due dates every two years thereafter.

The test schedule for taxis is determined by reference to the taxi licence application and renewal dates. Where a taxi reverts to private use the NCT certificate issued in respect of a vehicle continues to be valid until the expiry date specified on the certificate, at which stage a NCT is required. Subsequent tests for the vehicle will then fall due in accordance with the normal criteria applicable to a car taxed as a private vehicle.

It is understood that the vehicle in question was licensed as a taxi for a period but has reverted to private use. The NCT certificate issued in respect of the vehicle as a taxi expired on 27 September 2004. Following a successful NCT on 6 December 2004, a NCT certificate valid until 4 June 2005 was issued for the vehicle. The next test-due date for the vehicle is 5 June 2005. I am satisfied that the relevant statutory requirements are being correctly administered in the case.