Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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312. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure there is no shortage of taxis in view of the significant reduction in the number of taxi drivers in the past five years; the steps he is taking to address the high costs of insurance faced by new taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29542/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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In relation to insurance, I am aware that the increases in premium costs of motor insurance in recent years has been a cause for concern for all drivers, including the owners of Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs). However, I am happy to note that recent CSO figures show overall motor premiums for the year 2018 as being lower in comparison to those for the previous two years.

As you may know, the pricing of insurance products is a commercial issue for insurance companies, based on an assessment of the risks that they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products.  Following the publication of the Department of Finance Working Group's Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance last year, the Advisory Committee on SPSVs met with Insurance Ireland and both parties have agreed that there should be ongoing engagement between them. I believe that this will be an important channel to ensure that the concerns of taxi drivers can be articulated and addressed.

As the Deputy will be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  I understand that the NTA has been taking some actions, including changes in their approach to Driver Entry Test to encourage growth in the number of drivers entering the SPSV industry.  I will refer the Deputy's Question in relation to these matters to the NTA for direct reply by them.  Please inform my office, should an answer not be received within 10 days.