Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Once again, I thank the Deputies for their questions. Deputy Boyd Barrett raised the issue of ride sharing. Perhaps I can give some assurance to taxi drivers in that regard. It is something we have all used when we were abroad. Generally speaking, it is a good service. I have used Uber, Bolt and Lyft. With one exception, I found the service provided to be good. However, I have concerns around deregulation. First, it would mean drivers are not vetted or regulated, at least by a public authority, and would mean that the vehicles involved would not be checked by a public authority. We do not propose to go down that road. However, we should try to make it easier for people to provide a service, particularly at peak times when it is most needed., but that is not full deregulation. We do not propose that and I would not support it.

We are working on the driving test backlogs at the moment. Staffing has been increased. There is a backlog that relates to the pandemic, but also, like with so many things, there is a big increase in demand for tests. However, I am now confident waiting times will come down in the next few months.

On Deputy O'Connor's question about Midleton and the Cork floods after Storm Babet, I understand the council has calculated that approximately €54 million would be needed to repair the roads and other public infrastructure. So far, a special allocation of €14 million has been made to the council. It is possible for more to be provided, and I expect that to happen. However, the Department of Transport will have to cross-check the council's assessment. Ultimately, these are central funds and taxpayers' money so due diligence will have to be done, but I am sure a further allocation can be made and it should be. I would be happy to follow up with Deputies O'Connor and Stanton.

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