Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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158. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will put protections in place for motorists who have had to book an NCT test past their expiry date, taking into consideration the backlog for appointments, particularly with regard to the requirements concerning motor insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58503/22]

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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160. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the protections that are being put in place for motorists who have had to book an NCT test past their expiry date, taking into consideration the backlog for appointments; if his attention has been drawn to reports that this has implications for motor insurance policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58505/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 160 together.

The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply.

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. I have 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, 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.

I understand that Insurance Ireland has confirmed that its members will be pragmatic and understanding in their approach to the current delays and cover will continue to be provided where customers, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain their NCT due to backlogs at test centres. Under the current circumstances, provided motorists make every effort to book appointments in the normal way, insurance companies will recognise that the current issue is not the fault of the customer.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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159. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale behind the decision to reduce qualifying criteria from QQI6 to QQI5 for NCT testers; when this decision was made; if a risk or quality impact assessment was conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58504/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Statutory responsibility for roadworthiness testing in the State rests with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (SI 477/2006). As Minister, I do not have a role in the administration of the testing regime or in the appointment of personnel as part of that process.

I can confirm that my Department was apprised of this proposal by the RSA, in the course of our ongoing corporate governance role with the Authority and has received assurances that the change in practice will not compromise the integrity of the testing process. I am given to understand that the appointment of personnel with alternative qualifications (such as QQI Level 5) is common in other jurisdictions, including Spain and the United Kingdom. I would also highlight that this level of qualification was the appropriate minimum requirement for vehicle inspectors in the State until 2020.

My Department will continue to closely monitor the impact on the testing regime and to the sector overall as the contractor's resourcing model is implemented in the coming months, with a view to ensuring that the quality and integrity of testing is maintained. However, as the administration of these arrangements is a matter for the Authority, it is not appropriate for my Department to comment.