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

Last week we stated that a further €3 million is being provided to waive licence renewal fees for this year. We also announced a further allocation of €3.5 million to operate a scheme to refund the cost of national car tests, NCTs, and motor tax, so that is a further €6.5 million. Critically, the most important thing for taxi drivers was the ability to earn income while being on the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, which has been extended into next year. Similar to the aviation industry, the most critical thing, which most taxi drivers want more than anything else, is for passengers to come back and to have fares. That will happen on a transitional basis in these coming months as business starts to go up and they will still be able to avail of the PUP, get their costs covered and have an income. The return of business in the autumn, as we expect it will in September with office workers coming back and colleges coming back in person, as well as pubs and restaurants opening up across the country from 5 July, will be the best way of getting the taxi industry back. The Government will continue to see what supports are needed depending on what the numbers are in that regard.

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