Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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210. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting time for tests in each NCT test centre nationwide; to outline the measures he has put in place to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32697/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 210, 214 and 215 together.

The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the Deputies' queries regarding waiting times information 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.

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 633 testers operating or in training, testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.

The RSA is supporting the service provider to improve the availability of customer booking slots and to return the service to the service level agreements. 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.