Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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154. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the regulations covering the commercial vehicle roadworthiness certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4287/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Commercial vehicle owners have, for a long number of years,  been obliged to test their vehicle annually. This is a legal obligation in Ireland and throughout the EU. Roadworthiness testing standards are aimed at detecting any wear and tear, deterioration or alterations that could affect the roadworthiness or safety of the vehicle.

Since October 2013, the certificate of roadworthiness (CRW) issuing system is aligned to the longstanding obligation to have commercial vehicles tested annually.The period of validity of the CRW is calculated by reference to the last test due date.  A delay in completing the test has the effect of reducing the validity period of the CRW.This change was introduced for the purpose of ensuring that an operator who did not test the vehicle by the due date does not gain any economic advantage over an operator who tested their vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements. 

The Road Safety Authority is in the process of reviewing the system as it applies to vehicles which are off the road for more than a year and I expect to receive the outcome of this review later this year.  Any adjustments to the system in respect of vehicles overdue the test by more than one year which have been off the road would need to be assessed against a background of  strong overall compliance as well as road safety considerations.