Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reply to this Deputy on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48069/22]

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). However, 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 and accordingly my department will continue to support all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. I recently met with the Authority to emphasise the importance of reducing the current test backlog as soon as possible and it has committed to providing me with weekly updates on the NCTS. Further, my officials are meeting weekly with RSA senior management to monitor progress in reducing test delays.

I am 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.

I am also given to understand that the RSA has made An Garda Síochána aware that some vehicle owners have had issues securing an appointment. Vehicle owners should carry proof that they are waiting for an NCT in their vehicle with them. However, vehicle owners and drivers are reminded that they are legally required to ensure their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition at all times. It remains an offence under Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 to drive a vehicle in a public place without having a valid certificate of roadworthiness and, as with all road traffic legislation, enforcement of this requirement continues to be a matter for An Garda Síochána.