Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to long delays for the national car test; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33395/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the question 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.

However, I am very aware of the serious challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the frustrating delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year.

I am given to understand that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly by calling 01-4135992 or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website www.ncts.ie.

This is a serious matter and I and my department will continue to monitor the RSA's progress to reduce test delays closely as part of ongoing corporate governance processes.