Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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223. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of people on a cancellation list for their NCT in Cork. [12245/23]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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231. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons currently waiting on NCT appointments in County Wicklow; and the average waiting times for same once an online booking has been made, in tabular form. [12297/23]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average timeframes for an NCT appointment date in each testing centre nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12298/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 223, 231 and 232 together.

The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputies' queries to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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224. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions taken to decrease the NCT wait time in Cork. [12246/23]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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233. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures his Department is undertaking to address the lengthy delays motorists are having obtaining appointments for NCTs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12299/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 233 together.

The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet the high demand for tests and the ensuing delays for vehicle owners. My officials continue to meet weekly with the Authority, to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure every possible action is being taken to reinstate an average waiting period of 12 days, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. I have also met with the RSA Chief Executive and Chair to discuss this and other matters.

There has been some progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues behind this backlog. 110 inspectors were recruited in 2022 (including 44 recruited from outside the EEA). Recruitment of a further 55 qualified vehicle inspectors is ongoing, with a cohort of 595 testers currently in place. A number of other measures to provide additional capacity at test centres have been in place, including increased staff overtime and the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation for a period of three months. Testers are assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays. The RSA and their contractor have committed to continuing to seek to recruit additional testers on a urgent basis.

In the interim, I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.