The Institute of the Motor Industry in the Republic of Ireland is calling for the establishment of an officially recognised register of automotive technicians to help ensure high standards of quality, safety and professionalism across the motor trade.

David O'Neill, IMI Leinster, Chairman says, “It is a little more than strange that our gas and electric appliance must be installed by a qualified and registered RGI or RECI accredited technician, yet we have not seen any move towards regulation for the Irish Motor Industry, for the people that maintain and service thousands of vehicles on our Irish roads every day. This is not a plea for a good Garage Guide many of which have tried and failed, no this is about the individuals employed within the Irish Motor Industry.”

The IMI believes that a registration scheme would offer the industry and motorists many benefits;

• Consumer confidence when dealing with a professional registered employee or technician.
• Change public perception of a the garage trade
• Ensuring current and future skills needs are met.
• Promote better tax/revenue/rates compliance.
• Ensure better quality repairs and service with more accountability.
• Promote environmental best practice.
• Improve health and safety standards.
• Encourage the employment of apprentices
• Work to PAS or ATA standards.  
• Promote a better return on investment for garages.
• Deliver higher customer satisfaction and business retention.

David says that the IMI’s recently launched Professional Register already includes many of the above criteria and is gaining traction as a way of driving standards up across the automotive industry. It aims to give customers confidence in the industry and provide a place to search for and find competent and ethical professionals, so motorists have the reassurance of dealing with people who are respected for their professional attitude and knowledge.

IMI members in the Republic of Ireland are now helping to grow the Professional Register with almost 450 people signed up and the organisation and its members plan to petition Government to consider the creation of an officially recognised register.
David says, “I have a real passion to see people in our Industry improve and have assisted in many initiatives to help people grow their careers. With the help of Martin Hutchinson Northern Ireland IMI Manager, we have put over 120 people through ATA Fast Fit for the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA). This initiative has been hugely successful and commended by Noel Brett of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) Ireland for its impact on that sector.”

He adds, “The Motor Industry in Ireland needs to address some key issues and I firmly believe the IMI is best positioned to move this agenda forward. For this reason we are proposing to hold a series of meetings across the country to hear the views of our members and prospective members on issues such as a professional standard and register for technicians.”

David appeals to anyone interested in attending one of the proposed events, to email imileinster@gmail.com. You can also join the IMI’s LinkedIn group and voice your opinion about the proposed Irish Motor Industry regulation.