Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allow the Uber service; similar ride-sharing services; to operate in the taxi market; for an update on his recent meeting with representatives of the Uber service, and the discussions that took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39248/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I met with representatives of Uber on 21st October last. At the meeting Uber briefed me on the development of their smartphone applications, the establishment of its Centre of Excellence in Limerick, with the creation of 300 jobs, and Uber's future plans including the development of its ride-sharing service. I welcomed the investment that Uber has made in Limerick and noted that Uber's existing services in Ireland fully meet the legal and licensing requirements of the National Transport Authority. In relation to Uber's ridesharing service Uberpop, I indicated that at present such a service would not comply with our primary legislation, specifically the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, and that unlike some other countries Ireland's taxi and hackney market is very much an open market.  Along with officials from my Department, I undertook to examine the issue further, bearing in mind the legislative and regulatory issues that may arise.