Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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568. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allow the Uber service to operate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4784/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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581. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence received concerning the Uber transportation group and the ride-sharing services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5042/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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582. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence regarding the ride-sharing services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5043/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 568, 581 and 582 together.

At present ride-sharing services would not comply with the primary legislation governing small public service vehicles, specifically the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 which commenced in 2014.

The core requirement, with a small number of limited exemptions, is that the carriage of passengers for reward in a public place in any mechanically propelled vehicle with nine or less seats (including the driver's seat) is permitted only in a licensed vehicle driven by a licensed driver. 

The underlying policy which governs this is a concern for passenger safety and a concern for passenger protection in relation to pricing. The rationale for taxi regulation is to ensure that passengers have a safe vehicle for their journey, with appropriate insurance in place, driven by a driver who has been vetted by An Garda Síochána and, in the case of taxis, with a pre-established and verified charging system. 

In addition, the Government's policy is to ensure a high level of standards and professionalism in the industry for both the customer and the industry itself.

My overall aim in relation to the taxi industry is to continue to strike the right balance between the interests and safety of consumers and having fair and transparent rules for taxi service providers. Compared to some other countries, Ireland's taxi and hackney market is very much an open market.  All services provided by small public service vehicles must fully meet the legal and licensing requirements of the National Transport Authority.

Uber's existing services in Ireland fully meet the legal and licensing requirements of the National Transport Authority.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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569. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to change age rules surrounding vehicles used as taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4788/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including rules regarding vehicle age, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.