Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
294. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 16 December 2025, if he will review further correspondence relating to an NCT matter and if he will make a statement to clarify the issue (details supplied). [3213/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my previous response, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. The NCT service is required to be conducted in accordance with the requirements of European Directive 2014/45/EU which has been given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended.
As the Deputy is aware, the RSA has contracted a third-party service provider, Applus, to run the NCT service on its behalf, with the contract managed and overseen by the RSA's customer operations directorate. The service is subject to a regime of internal and external audits by the RSA Training & Standards Team, which is assisted by a Supervision Services Contractor and a Technical Inspection Services Provider to monitor the service provider’s adherence to key performance indicators and service level agreements. These external audit and assurance contractors are independent from the service delivery contractor.
As previously outlined, the NCT is designed for a particular purpose, which is to ascertain does a vehicle meet certain roadworthiness tests at a point in time. It is important to note that the NCT certificate issued at the time of the test does not confirm the condition of the vehicle for the duration of the certificate. It merely states that a NCT was passed on that date and when the next test is due.
I am satisfied that the NCT service is being conducted in accordance with the statutory requirements. My Department will continue to engage with the RSA on NCT service provision including quality control and monitoring, and any issues arising.
