NCT delays and charter
Deputy Munster highlighted severe NCT delays, saying motorists could be left uninsured and asking for resources and free tests under the charter. The Tánaiste said progress had been made, the backlog remained too long, the charter would be honoured, and staffing had increased.
The Government states that the average wait for a national car test, NCT, should be 12 days. In reality, 60% of NCT test centres have no appointments available within the next five months. As of two weeks ago, nine testing centres had no appointment available until August. Drogheda is one of those centres. As a result of the long wait, the certificates of roadworthiness of motorists' vehicles will be out of date. A constituent told me she booked her test on 30 October 2022 and got for appointment on 29 May 2023. Her insurance company told her she will not be covered in every scenario because she does not have a certificate of roadworthiness. She, along with everyone else who does not have that certificate because of the waiting times, will face a €60 fine or three points on her licence. On top of that, to add insult to injury, the Road Safety Authority, RSA, has stated that no customers have received the free test in accordance with the commitment given in the NCT customer charter.
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When will the NCT centres be resourced? Will the RSA adhere to the commitment it has given in its NCT customer charter for free tests for those who face delays?
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I have discussed the issue of the delays with the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers. He is working proactively with the RSA in respect of the NCT. Progress has been made, with 33,500 tests having been conducted last week. That is a significant increase on the pre-Christmas period, when tests were averaging approximately 25,000 per week. The backlog is simply too long, however. As the Deputy is aware, Deputy James O'Connor raised on Sunday the point she made in respect of the charter. He has effectively highlighted that discrepancy in respect of-----
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-----the fulfilment of the charter. My understanding is there is now a commitment to fulfil the charter and the obligations within the charter in respect of those whose tests are delayed.
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The National Car Testing Service, NCTS, has recruited 110 vehicle inspectors, including 44 testers, bringing the total number of vehicle inspectors to 595 by the end of last year.