Written answers

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

National Car Test

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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950. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason it is possible to hold CVRT testing but not possible to hold NCT testing; if all NCT test centre lifts have been repaired to allow full testing to resume; if a person that failed a NCT test prior to shutdown and had to return for a visual without charge will still be allowed to present for their visual without charge; if they will now have to apply for a full retest and pay subsequent charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9243/20]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.

My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming the National Car Test (NCT) roadworthiness testing services in light of the roadmap and national return to work protocols published by Government. 

While roadworthiness testing for commercial vehicles has already resumed, each service must be dealt with separately, taking account of their relationship with the essential services and also the nature of their operations.  A longer extension was given to NCT certificates partly due to the understanding that it would take longer for that service to resume, given the very different public health risk profile of the service (including the number of centres, the number and profile of users of any given centre, and the likely travel distances associated).

Dates for the resumption of the service and any specific arrangements that need to be put in place to allow for the provision of the service will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

Regarding testing equipment and the rescheduling and administration of vehicle inspections, the operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.  I have therefore referred those questions to the Authority for direct reply. 

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

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