Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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855. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the national car test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13956/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Road Safety Authority has overall responsibility for the operation of the National Car Test. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Car Test derives from an EU Directive (2009/40/EC) which sets minimum requirements to be met by Member States. Among the basic of those requirements is that roadworthiness testing be related to the age of the car. The first test is required at four years, with a test every other year thereafter.

The Directive also allows Member States to test cars more frequently than the minimum requirements.  In this regard, with effect from 1 June 2011, annual testing was introduced for cars aged 10 years and older.  There are no proposals to change the current basis on which these tests are conducted.