Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15885/05]

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 the test due dates determined by reference to the date of first registration of the vehicle. In the case of taxis the national car test schedule is determined by reference to the taxi licence application and renewal dates. As the duration of a taxi licence is one year, taxis are required to undergo the national car test annually.

Where a vehicle licensed as a taxi reverts to private use the national car test certificate issued for the vehicle continues to be valid until the expiry date specified on it at which stage a national car test is required. The expiry date of the national car test certificate issued on foot of that national car test would be the next test due in accordance with the normal criteria applicable for a passenger car.

The national car test schedule for vehicles tested as taxis which revert to private use during the period covered by the taxi national car test has been raised in the course of the mid-term review of the car testing service which is currently under way. I will be prepared to examine this matter in the light of the report which I will receive from PricewaterhouseCoopers which is carrying out the review on behalf of my Department.