Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 696: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the criminal investigation under way in relation to alleged criminal practices at a number of national car test centres as uncovered on a television programme (details supplied) earlier this year; if he is satisfied that the issues which were uncovered in this programme have now been fully addressed; if so, if he is confident that such practices will not recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36355/11]

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 PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Automobile Association. The RSA continuously monitors Applus+ performance and has regular meetings with them to ensure compliance with contract requirements.

Following the "Prime Time Investigates" programme, earlier this year, Applus+ undertook an internal investigation and the seven vehicle inspectors who were identified as a result of the programme and internal analysis were suspended. Three were dismissed soon afterwards. Since then, investigations have resulted in the dismissal of three additional members of staff. Whilst any process that results in loss of employment is regrettable, it demonstrates that, given evidence of wrongdoing, NCTS will act quickly and decisively. Applus+ has submitted a number of requests to RTE for the information under the Freedom of Information Act. "Prime Time" has refused to provide the information on the grounds that it is outside Freedom of Information.

I am advised that 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. Notwithstanding the issues highlighted by the "Prime Time" 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.