National Car Test

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Questions (238, 259)

Pa Daly

Question:

238. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter regarding national car testing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51136/25]

View answer

259. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to examine issues with the NCT outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51470/25]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 259 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) Service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level or in individual cases.

Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputies questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.

Pending this response, the Deputies may wish to note that Ireland is obliged to adhere to the minimum specified technical standards and intervals for carrying out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles under EU law and the NCT is operated in line with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45/EU. This is given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended. These Regulations also give effect to the EU Directive in respect of testing methods and pass/fail criteria. Vehicle roadworthiness standards in Northern Ireland are a matter for the UK and Northern Ireland authorities.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.