Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It means where they can ply for hire and the ranks where they can do that. The subparagraph the Senator wants to delete supports the current licensing system whereby areas of operation where an SPSV driver can stand or ply for hire must be applied for and specified on the licence, subject to completion of the relevant area knowledge test. Once the area of operation has been established through this process, the SPSV driver is restricted to operation in the areas for which he or she is licensed. Subject to having the appropriate area knowledge, certified SPSV drivers can apply to operate in all 26 counties in the State. This is particularly important for SPSV drivers who operate in regions near county borders, as the Senator mentioned, where there is more than one area of operation.

During 2012, there were only 114 PSV drivers who sat the area knowledge test to get licensed to operate in another county. This may change. The number of people who want to add another area of operation to their driver's licence is relatively low to date. There is a vast difference between the current licensing system that specifies the areas of operation of the SPSV driver compared with the restricted licensing practices under local authorities in the past, to which the Senator has referred. We have moved on.

The specification of areas on the licence and roof sign were introduced in response to industry representatives, the taxi advisory committee and the Garda Síochána. This system makes it easier for customers and enforcement officers to check if a particular SPSV driver is licensed to operate in a county or area. This provision under section 17 is necessary so the NTA can continue to issue licences in response to the areas or locations where drivers of SPSVs choose to operate. This is linked to the area knowledge requirement, which is at the heart of the provision of an effective and efficient SPSV industry in which consumers can have confidence. I cannot accept the amendment.