Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party)
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203. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the backlog in securing an appointment for the NCT; if any measures are being taken to alleviate the pressure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46012/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the National Car Testing 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.

I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. This is a serious matter. My department has supported any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance in improving matters that have been received to date. Furthermore, starting this week I have asked the RSA for weekly updates on the NCTS and my officials are meeting weekly with the Authority's senior management to closely monitor their progress in reducing test delays, in addition to normal corporate governance processes.

I am also advised 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. I understand that, in the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.