Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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477. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will postpone the introduction of penalty points for failure to display a valid national car test certificate pending a clearing of the current test backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46019/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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489. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the national car test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47211/14]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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497. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on increasing the notification period for national car testing from 90 days to 120 days in recognition of the exorbitant time it takes to secure an appointment; and his views on improving management of the winter high demand for annual testing. [47295/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 477, 489 and 497 together.

Changes to the penalty points regime which came into effect yesterday, 8 December, were legislated for under the Road Traffic Act 2014. These changes relate to a range of measures, including the National Car Test (NCT) system. The commencement of these provisions was tied to a periodic update of the Garda PULSE system. The update of PULSE involves extensive preparation and a long lead-in time.

It has, for some years, been an offence to use a vehicle on public roads without a valid NCT certificate. Prior to yesterday’s change, this offence involved a direct summons to court and the assignment of 5 penalty points on conviction. The provisions in the 2014 Act bring this offence within the fixed charge notice system. An alleged offender will now be issued with a fixed charge notice and, on payment of the €60 charge, will have 3 penalty points assigned to their licence. The driver will, of course, continue to have the option of going to court where 5 points will still apply on conviction.

Enforcement of the relevant legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.  If a person’s NCT test date is imminent, it will be a matter for the Gardai to use their discretion. However, responsibility rests with owners and users of vehicles to ensure their vehicles are in compliance with the law.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) informs me that it is able to deal with current demand and has also run a campaign to get people to book early, as the test may be undertaken up to 90 days in advance of the due date without affecting the expiry date of the new certificate. This system, which is in place since September, is to ensure that owners have ample time to have their vehicle tested before their current NCT certificate expires and there are no plans to increase this voluntary early test period.

The RSA also advise me that the vast majority of car owners, including those who require an early test, will receive an NCT appointment within 28 days.  The average waiting time for a full test in the month of November was 11.35 days. I understand from the RSA that the availability of appointments on the NCT website is not a reflection of the total number of slots available to customers. The NCTS website clearly advises customers that if they cannot obtain a suitable slot online to contact the NCTS call centre directly on (01) 413 5992.

The recent changes to the penalty points system represent a further important contribution to making our roads safer for all users.

Issues with road traffic legislation arose last week which have revealed that technical legislative amendments may be required in relation to the operation of penalty points. I am awaiting advice from the Attorney General's Office on the matter and would propose to bring any required legislative amendments to the Oireachtas in the coming days.