Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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15. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to reduce the waiting times at national car test, NCT, centres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55762/22]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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19. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to reduce the current long wait times to secure NCT appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55797/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 19 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the delivery of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) and neither I nor my department have a direct role in operational matters.

However, I am closely monitoring the RSA's progress in reducing waiting times at test centres and will continue to support the RSA with any appropriate requests for assistance. My officials are also meeting with the RSA on a weekly basis.

Progress is being made in addressing the long-term staffing resource issues behind this backlog. The Deputies will be aware that 22 staff from the NCTS's counterpart in Spain have recently been temporarily assigned to Northpoint test centre, which is one of the test centres most affected by delays.

In light of the labour shortages in this sector across the EU, my department has worked with Minister English's department to amend the Employment Permits Regulations and allow up to 100 qualified non-EU personnel to be recruited as needed. 44 new testers are expected to be in place before the end of the year and will be assigned to those centres with the longest delays.

These measures are in addition to the 53 new staff employed by the NCTS earlier in the year, a significant increase in staff overtime, allowing 8 tests per tester per day instead of 7, and the forthcoming pilot for additional inspection personnel to assist vehicle inspectors with automated elements of the test.

In the meantime, I would strongly encourage motorists to leave plenty of time to book their tests, which can be taken up to 90 days before the expiry of their certificate without affecting its period of validity. A priority waiting list allows motorists to avail of test cancellations and this is the best way to secure an appointment for those in urgent need.