Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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702. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) is required to maintain a national car test for a vehicle which has been declared off-the-road; his plans to change this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26338/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​In accordance with EU Directive 2009/40/EC, passenger cars are required to undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter. This is the minimum EU requirement. The Directive also allows Member States to provide for more frequent testing and an annual NCT for cars 10 years and older was introduced in June 2011.

Roadworthiness testing of vehicles in Ireland works well in terms of road safety and there are no proposals to extend these periodic testing requirements, or to suspend them, for vehicles which are declared off the road. Vehicles that are off the road, even for temporary periods, can deteriorate when not in use and it is important for road safety that all vehicles are adequately maintained and fit for use.