Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he has received a report from the Road Safety Authority on their investigation into alleged illegal practices at some national car test centres that were recently exposed by a programme (details supplied); the findings and outcome of the report; the actions he has taken to ensure the integrity of the NCT system; if any action is to be taken in relation to the operators of the NCT system, Applus+; if he will also report on whether he has reviewed the performance of the RSA in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21738/11]

Leo 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 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 Authority 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.

There is regular and ongoing contact between the RSA and my Department on matters pertaining to the National Car Testing Service.

Following the "Prime Time Investigates" programme Applus+ has undertaken an internal investigation and the 7 vehicle inspectors who were identified as a result of the programme and internal analysis were suspended. 3 have now been dismissed. Applus+ has submitted a number of requests to RTE for the information under the Freedom of Information Act. Primetime has refused to provide the information on the grounds that it is outside Freedom of Information.

A Garda investigation is currently underway and Applus+ is providing all information and assistance required. Applus+ is implementing a number of measures to address the issues raised. While details of many of these must necessarily be kept confidential, they include preventative measures and fraud detection measures based on following up on specific risk areas identified.

The NCTS testing system is computer-controlled and highly automated and provides test security, consistency and accuracy. Uniform standards are set for what is tested, how the test is carried out and the reasons for failure.

Notwithstanding the recent issues highlighted by the Primetime programme, the RSA has acted swiftly and proactively to address the issues raised. I am assured that it will continue to take every possible action to tackle these issues head on.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the current waiting time to access the national car test at each test centre around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21739/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The subject matter of this particular question is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.