Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Rather than reading out the full reply I have before me, I will focus on the financial aspect of this issue. The fundamental problem is that there is no way to replace the passenger demand for taxis that has been lost during the pandemic. It will only return as the pandemic is brought under control and economic activity across all sectors recovers. However, the Government measures should ensure that operators who wish to remain in the industry will be able to do so, enabling them to thrive again once the pandemic abates. Many taxi drivers have been able to avail of the pandemic unemployment payment and it will remain open to new applicants for the remainder of the year. It is an important lifeline for SPSV operators. Many of them may have gone back to work as the economy began to reopen only to find that subsequent necessary public health measures once again suppressed passenger demand for their services. The continued accessibility of the PUP will provide an important safety net to operators, recognising their dependency on other sectors of the economy.

SPSV operators who come off the pandemic unemployment payment can avail of the Covid-19 enterprise support grant. This one-off grant, worth up to €1,000, can be used towards the costs associated with reopening a business which can include the purchase of cleaning materials, approved dividing screens and personal protective equipment.

Self-employed SPSV operators, who were profitable in 2019 but not in 2020 due to Covid-19, may be able to avail of an income tax relief allowing for up to €20,000 of losses from this year to be offset against profits from 2019.

Many SPSV operators have car loans for their vehicles and, therefore, may be able to benefit from the Government's credit and liquidity measures. The Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme provides for loans at a discounted interest rate backed by the Government. The Covid-19 business loans scheme provides for loans of up to €25,000 interest free for six months, with a Government rebate available for the interest payable for the following six months.

See this speech in context