Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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646. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make changes to regulations governing the taxi industry; his plans for the operation of companies (details supplied) in the public transport market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14980/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The regulatory framework governing the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and regulations made under the Act by the National Transport Authority as regulator for the sector. Under that regulatory framework 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.

I recently met the National Transport Authority for a briefing on the areas under its remit, which includes taxi regulation, and I intend to give further consideration to the range of issues relating to the regulation of the taxi industry in Ireland in the coming weeks.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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647. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will announce the new membership of the Taxi Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15012/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The term of office of the current membership of the Taxi Advisory Committee expires on 31st July 2018. There are currently four vacancies on the Committee, three of which are in the special interest/ expertise category as provided for under section 72(4)(i) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. The remaining vacancy is in the consumer interest category as provided for under section 72(4)(d) of the 2013 Act. I am currently reviewing these appointments and will be making an announcement shortly.