Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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611. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for such a long delay in reforming the public service vehicle process to bring it under the remit of the RSA (details supplied); and the expected date for completion of same. [25852/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As the Deputy has mentioned, an undertaking was made by the previous Minister to conduct a reform of the Large Public Service Vehicle (LPSV) regime. Issues relating to the process have been the subject of discussion and consultation among key State agencies and my Department since 2015. However, while it has not been possible to conclude this matter in the meantime, some progress has been made and I remain fully committed to the reform of the public service vehicle licensing regime.

A Working Group is to be established in the coming weeks to formalise the cooperation between my Department and the various State agencies. Nominations have been sought to this Group and an inaugural meeting is expected to be held in early June.

The Working Group will deliver LPSV licensing reform through an agreed work programme, which will be guided by the outcome of a Regulatory Impact Assessment  (RIA). The draft RIA will be the subject of consultation later this year and views will be sought from a number of key stakeholders on the policy options. I expect the vast majority of policy options will necessitate primary legislation, which will be developed subsequent to the consultation on the RIA.