Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a backlog on national car tests; and if he will request that the Garda accept requests for NCT appointments as sufficient to allow a person to avoid penalty points or being put off the road while waiting for the appointment date to arrive. [18992/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the increase in inquiries to the National Car Testing Service (NCT) 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 weeks.

Prior to 1st May 2009, the use of a vehicle without a valid NCT certificate was already an offence that carried a fine of up to €2,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months or both. Since the 1st May 2009 it is an offence to which penalty points will be applied on conviction, in addition to any fine or imprisonment.

Enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána and penalties a matter for the courts.