Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

National Car Test

6:00 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make changes to the national car test process in view of a recent television programme (details supplied). [12625/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test.

The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The testing function is carried out by Applus, since January 2010, under a contractual arrangement with the RSA.

The responsibility for the operation and delivery of the NCTS lies solely with the Applus. However, the RSA exercises a supervisory role to ensure the service is provided in line with the conditions of the contract. In order to assist the RSA in carrying out this supervisory role, the RSA has appointed a contractor to carry out certain supervisory services on its behalf. These relate to monitoring the achievement of the performance and acceptable standards by Applus, and reporting regularly to the RSA. This service is currently provided by a consortium made up of Price Waterhouse Coopers and the Automobile Association.

The RSA continuously monitors Applus performance and has regular meetings with them to ensure compliance with contract requirements.

The RSA has met with Applus and the Garda Siochána to deal with the issues and corrupt activities highlighted by the recent Prime Time programme and to identify the appropriate action to be taken.

I have requested the RSA to keep me fully informed of any developments on this matter.

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