Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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740. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding an NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9357/14]

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.

EU Directive 2009/40/EC sets the minimum requirements in regard to the frequency of the roadworthiness testing of cars i.e. the first test is required at four years, with a test every other year thereafter. The Directive allows Member States freedom to test cars more frequently.  With effect from 1 June 2011 annual testing was introduced for cars 10 years and older.  NCT due dates are calculated by reference to the date of first registration.

In the 12 month period from October 2011 to September 2012 the pass rate at NCT for four year old cars was 76% and for 10 year old cars was 41%.  The average pass rate for cars 10 years and older was 32.5%. The effects of wear and tear on a vehicle become more evident as it gets older and even a vehicle that is not driven, or driven very little, will deteriorate over time with a potential impact on safety.

Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the roadworthiness testing requirements in regard to low mileage cars.