The Government has announced the extension of the quota of work permits for NCT testers.
A further 100 workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) can now be recruited to help reduce waiting times for NCT appointments.
It is hoped the move will help alleviate the pressures being faced by the NCT service provider, who has struggled to source workers in the domestic and European labour market.
"More testers working in our NCT centres is the best way to reduce the current backlog of appointments and help ensure that drivers can access appointments in their local NCT Centre when they are required," said Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Neale Richmond.
"As we have reached full employment, with over 2.6 million people at work in Ireland, there are some skillsets that are increasingly difficult for businesses to access, and these testers are a prime example," Mr Richmond said.
The quota increase, which comes into effect from today, follows engagement between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Transport in recent months.
"We have seen waiting times decreasing this year, as testers from outside the EEA have joined the team to provide additional capacity in test centres," Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers said.
"Recruitment for vehicle inspectors is ongoing in Ireland, but these additional resources will assist in continuing to reduce waiting times for car test appointments for National Car Testing Service customers," Mr Chamber said.
