Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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394. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the length of time applications for taxi licences are taking to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1363/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) industry in Ireland is regulated by the National Transport Authority in accordance with the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, T.D.

An Garda Síochána is currently deemed the licensing authority under section 6 (2) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

As such, the Deputy will appreciate that I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, have no role in the administration of SPSV licences.

However, to be of assistance I have requested the current processing time for SPSV licences from An Garda Síochána and will respond to you directly on receipt of a Garda report.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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395. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when an application by a person (details supplied) for a taxi licence will be processed. [1364/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, have no role in the administration of Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) licences, which is a matter for An Garda Síochána. However, to be of assistance I have been in contact with the Garda Authorities to make the necessary enquiries in respect of the individual case the Deputy has raised.

I have been informed that this application for a licence was received in Newbridge Garda Station on the 8 January 2019, and is currently being processed by An Garda Síochána in accordance with current legislation. It is estimated that the licence will be processed by 18 January 2019.

I would also advise that, in the first instance, queries in relation to such matters be directed to the Garda Station at which the application was made.