Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Operation of the National Car Testing (NCT) Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

I understand that the RSA has made An Garda Síochána aware that some vehicle owners have encountered issues securing an NCT appointment over the last year. Motorists should keep a record of their upcoming test date in their vehicle. However, it is important to note that road traffic legislation requires motorists to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition and it remains an offence, under the Road Traffic Acts, to drive a vehicle on a public road or in a public place without a valid NCT. Enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

The Deputy will note that there has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which caused the testing backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently just under 620 testers in operation, with a further 50 in recruitment. Testers are being assigned to test centres with more significant delays. The national average waiting period is now just 19 days, with 28 centres with a wait time under 10 days and a further 16 under 20 days.

Department officials were meeting with the RSA on a weekly basis for much of the last year. The improvements in the NCT service to date mean that such regular meetings are no longer necessary. However, the Department continues to work closely with the RSA on NCT provision and the RSA continues to provide weekly updates. Monthly meetings will continue as part of RSA governance, and where pressing issues arise, meetings will be held promptly.