Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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565. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter (details supplied) regarding providing transport to and from rural public houses will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53063/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Deputy refers to a specific company, which is licensed as a dispatch operator in Ireland and which, in other countries, provides a ridesharing service. As you know, the National Transport Authority (NTA) as Regulator of the small public service vehicle sector has regulatory oversight of the sector, including the licensing of vehicles and drivers. The current regulatory regime is in place to protect the consumer and to help ensure personal safety. My view is that the regulation of ridesharing services should also be determined in the context of these important objectives. My Department continues to keep abreast of emerging technologies and is open to considering innovative initiatives.

As regards rural transport, the NTA has been assigned responsibility for providing integrated local and rural transport. This includes responsibility for the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the "LocalLink" brand.

With this in mind and given the two distinct roles of the NTA in this respect, I have also referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.