Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

300. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to indicate the progress being made in reducing waiting lists for NCT tests; the action that can be taken by car owners who have been unable to secure tests before their NCT expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53132/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

Considerable progress has been made this year to address the long-term staffing issues which caused the testing backlog and increase capacity at test centres. This includes extensive domestic and international recruitment of new vehicle inspectors, which currently number 641, with 28 further testers currently undergoing training. As of 27 November, the national average waiting period has been reduced to 11.3 days, which is within the service level agreement maximum of 12 days.

The Deputy will know that 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.

Although 44 test centres are now offering appointments in under 15 days, customers seeking urgent test appointments may continue to contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie.