Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties some motorists are having with securing fully comprehensive motor insurance because they have not been able to renew their NCT in time due to considerable delays with the NCT appointment service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9921/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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 aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials are continuing weekly meetings with the Authority to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. Considerable progress is now being made to increase capacity at test centres and I am assured by the RSA that the business-as-usual waiting period of 12 days will be restored by the beginning of Q3.

In the interim, 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.

Insurance Ireland has advised my department that its members will be pragmatic and understanding in their approach to the current delays at the NCT. Cover will continue to be provided where customers, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain an NCT appointment 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. Motorists should keep evidence of their appointment booking.