Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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171. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that he is taking to reduce the waiting times at NCT test centres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54079/22]

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.

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. Minister of State Naughton has met with the RSA to convey the seriousness of this matter and my officials are meeting weekly with the RSA to monitor progress in reducing test delays. My department will continue this monitoring, as well as supporting any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.

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. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.