Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, Marc Mac Sharry, says the fiasco at National Car Test centres must be resolved quickly and called on the Road Safety Authority, the outgoing Transport Minister, and his Department to take urgent action.
Deputy Mac Sharry said, “We have learned yesterday, that parts of the NCT testing process have been paused due to safety concerns of machinery which lifts vehicles to allow for the inspection of the underside of vehicles.
“While safety is paramount the reality is hard working people are driving to test centres and not having a completed test. They are being told to come back at an unknown later date to finish the test. This is completely unacceptable.
“In many cases with tests booked in advance, people are taking time off work, or arranging for childcare, so they can attend these tests, and now they’re being told to come back to complete another section of the test on another day. It is a farcical situation.
“This fiasco cannot be allowed to go on, it’s costing people money, it is wasting their time off work. It is an unfair ask on hard working people.
“We all know Minister Ross has a hands-off approach to his brief but he needs to intervene. This situation cannot be allowed to go on for weeks or months.
“I am calling on Minister Ross, his Department officials and the Road Safety Authority to ensure that the company responsible for the testing gets these issues resolved quickly.
“This cannot be left on the long finger, this cannot be ignored and we need urgent action to see full same day testing returned,” concluded Deputy Mac Sharry.
