Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NCT test for new cars will be extended from four to six years every two years, and from 10 to 12 years for older cars, in view of the improved condition of vehicular traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8818/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The NCT is an essential public health and safety measure, and an important component of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy. Since its introduction, through the detection of issues such as faulty brakes, worn tyres, defective headlights and so on, it has helped to make vehicles safer and significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

Under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers, Ireland, like other EU Member States, must adhere to the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415 of 2017), as amended.

The minimum intervals set down for cars in the Directive are from four years after the date of registration and thereafter every two years. Cars used as taxis are required to undergo annual testing from one year after the date of registration. Any change to these requirements would place the State in breach of EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive.

Separately, SI 415 of 2017 provides for vehicles over ten years old to be tested annually, given the likelihood of deterioration linked to the vehicle's age. There are no plans to amend this legislation.