John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 60% of public service vehicle licences have not been renewed and that many taxi drivers could be working with an expired public service vehicle licence; if persons who are operating with an expired public service vehicle licence are insured to carry passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4462/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The licensing of small public service vehicles is currently governed by the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002. Under these regulations, small public service vehicle licences are granted and renewed by individual local licensing authorities. Information regarding the number of licences that have not been renewed at any given time is not available in my Department.

Section 43 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 specifically provides that a person shall not drive or use a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place for the carriage of persons for reward unless the person holds a licence to drive a small public service vehicle and there is a small public service vehicle licence in force in respect of the vehicle. Contravention of this provision is an offence. Enforcement is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána.

In so far as insurance is concerned, all mechanically propelled vehicles, whether for private use or hire for reward, are required to be covered by third party insurance under the Road Traffic Acts. The policy of insurance is a private contract between the policy holder and the insurance company and must be for unlimited liability for personal injury. Any other terms or conditions are matters between the policy holder and the insurance company.