Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps his Department is taking to alleviate the backlog of NCT appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20359/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 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.

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 continue to meet weekly 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 in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. I have also met with the RSA Chief Executive and Chair to discuss this and other matters. 

There has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which have caused this backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation last year, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 589 testers in place, with 18 more testers commencing training this week and a further 17 expected in the coming weeks. New testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays. 

Just over 48,000 tests were completed last week, comprising 32,316 full tests and 15,832 re-tests. An average of 31,000 full tests were conducted each week last month, a significant increase on figures for December 2022, when tests averaged 25,000 per week. The average waiting period nationally is now just over 26 days and the RSA is confident that a return to the service level agreement waiting period of 12 days will be achieved by July 2023.

In the interim, I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing 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.