Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by people endeavouring to book a National Car Test prior to 1 May 2009; and if in view of this difficulty, recognition will be given to those who are unable to book their test on time. [15974/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the increase in inquiries to the National Car Testing Service has created some difficulties in making applications for tests. However, these are temporary and thousands of test appointments have successfully been made in the last few days, including for cars which were due to be tested in 2007 and 2008.

In all cases, penalty points are applied to existing offences, and with the aim of improving road safety through driver behaviour, and in the case of the most recent penalty point offences, improving vehicle standards. For example, the use of a vehicle without a test certificate (where applicable) is already an offence which on conviction carries a fine of up to €2,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months or both.

The number of test appointments made by cars due for testing in 2007 and 2008 underlines both the road safety message and the effectiveness of the penalty point system.