I have Deputy O'Connor to my left and Deputy Murnane O'Connor to my right, both of whom have raised the issue of the national car test, NCT, waiting list times. I continue, even this week, to get queries from people who are not able to secure NCT appointments and who have even had to wait months for the cancellation list. I have particular concern for the older people who come into my clinics. They want to be able to follow the rules and they are afraid to drive without an NCT, so they worry about that cliff edge coming at them. What are we doing to hold the operator to account and to ensure it is complying with its contractual obligations, which it agreed with the State?

I was talking to the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, about this as he has responsibility in the area. We both agreed that the current situation is totally unsatisfactory and that the agencies, such as the Road Safety Authority, and all of the operations of the State need to make sure it is resolved. The operator has committed that, by the end of May, there will be a return to the 12-day service level agreement target. A whole range of new staff are being brought in and there are very complex arrangements to make sure we deliver that, but the urgency is clear. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, is determined to deliver on that promise.