Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

595. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the ride-sharing company, Uber, in relation to its entry into the Irish market; the purpose and outcomes of these meetings; if he believes Uber's ride-sharing services will be fully compliant with Irish public transport and health and safety regulations. [41822/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I met with representatives of Uber on 21st October. 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, 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.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

596. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the ride-sharing company, BlaBlaCar, in relation to its entry into the Irish market; the purpose and outcome of these meetings; if he believes BlaBlaCar ride-sharing services will be fully compliant with Irish public transport and health and safety regulations. [41823/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

​I can confirm to the Deputy that I have not met with the BlaBlaCar company and therefore I am not aware of any proposals by the company to provide services in Ireland. The regulation of the small public service vehicle industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.