Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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58. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason persons who missed their NCT appointments due to the lockdown in the past year, particularly persons over 70 years of age are being penalised if they go for an NCT now; if the NRA will waive any penalties and agree to issue the NCT certificate for the full relevant period, depending on the age of the car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18036/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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While it is not possible for me to comment on individual circumstances, I would firstly seek to clarify to the Deputy that all Member States of the European Union are required by law to carry out a periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at regular intervals throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. This is an essential safety check and an important road safety measure that provides for a reduction in road accidents by detecting defects such as faulty brakes, worn tyres or defective headlights.

The applicable dates for periodic testing and voluntary testing is provided for by national legislation. Under Regulation 3(2) and 3(3) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined using the date of registration of that vehicle and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of that date. Accordingly, all test due dates are predetermined based on the date of registration of a vehicle. It is important to note that the NCT certificate relates only to the condition of testable items at the time of the test and does not constitute a warranty for their condition for the subsequent 12-month period. Any NCT certificate issued in respect of a vehicle is only valid up to the test due date that falls after that certificate was issued.

There are no current plans to amend this legislation in respect of test due dates.

I of course believe that safeguarding public health is of paramount importance at this time. I am advised by the RSA that the NCT Service has put in place a broad range of measures to ensure that they are compliant with health and safety guidelines and public health advice, including restricting the use of waiting rooms, and that this is notified to customers via the NCT website. I am also given to understand that the NCT Service has requested that elderly or vulnerable customers do not attend in person but instead arrange for someone to present their vehicle in their stead, where possible. Information about the protocols which have been put in place is available from the NCTS website

It is also possible to call the NCTS booking number on 01-4135992and speak to one of their representatives.