Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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535. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there is no taxi suitability test centre (details supplied) resulting in enforced costs on those travelling to other centres to complete the test; his plans to reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14085/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. The NTA currently contract Applus Car Testing Ireland Limited to provide a nationwide network of twelve dedicated centres for SPSV suitability inspections.

Given the Authority's role in this regard, and in order to be of assistance, I have referred your question to the NTA for their direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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536. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if accommodation will be made available for families of deceased taxi plate owners (details supplied); if there is discretion for individual cases; if the NTA will undertake a publicity campaign to highlight the importance of this form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14105/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

As the Deputy may be aware, section 15 of this 2013 Act (as amended) provides for the transfer of a SPSV licence in the event of death.  Accordingly, a person that has been nominated by the licence holder, before his or her death, can apply to the NTA to continue to operate the SPSV licence.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in these matters, I have referred your question to the Authority for their consideration and direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.