Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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883. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the cost of commercial vehicle worthiness testing in the Republic of Ireland compared to that in Northern Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13570/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The basis of the charges for vehicle tests in Northern Ireland and the content of such tests, are matters for the Driver Vehicle Agency which undertakes tests in that jurisdiction.

The cost for commercial vehicle roadworthiness tests in the State is prescribed by the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing)(No.2) Regulations 2013 (SI 347 of 2013) and were introduced from 7 October 2013. The fees cover the test undertaken at the testing centre, cost of the certificate of roadworthiness (CRW) and a road safety levy payable to the Road Safety Authority in respect of an annual test.

In this jurisdiction, the CVR testing system is operated on a fully commercial basis and without any financial contribution from the State. This means that commercial vehicle roadworthiness (CVR) tests are delivered by privately owned garages who are responsible for the provision of the necessary infrastructure and facilities and they carry the financial and operational risks associated with that investment.

The road safety levy is being used to fund several aspects of the commercial vehicle roadworthiness reform programme which is intended to support safer roads and compliant operators. The RSA has financed the upfront capital investment associated with the reform programme to date.

The model for commercial vehicle testing was reviewed and it was decided by Government that the prevailing model involving the delivery of commercial testing by privately owned garages should continue. Accordingly, I do not have any plans to revisit the test fees at this time.