Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 663 together.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period. 

The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport.  Nonetheless, public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.

While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.

On the 25th of June, Government announced changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions. It has been agreed to move from 2 metres social distancing on public transport to 50% capacity. This will help to underpin public transport during these unprecedented times for the sector, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. The Government also decided to legally require the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to age (under 13).  These measures will protect both passengers and staff and significantly help ease the pressure on operators by reducing the gap between public transport supply and demand.

Further, on the 25th of June Government agreed new temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, will be introduced for the licensed bus sector. Licensed operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery. These supports are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and revenues generated on the services. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support package through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.

Furthermore, the Government previously introduced a €12bn package of supports for impacted businesses of all sizes, which include: the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. 

Concerning vehicle testing fees - the cost of a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) is set by regulation 14 of the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 347/2013) as amended. I do not intend to make further amendments to this legislation at present.

Furthermore, there are no plans currently to amend motor tax legislation to provide for waivers from motor tax (vehicle licensing). I do wish to advise that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road.  The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes. The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use.  The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office, using the following declaration

The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months.  If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to the licensing of Large Public Service Vehicles.  

An Garda Síochána has over-arching responsibility regarding Public Service Vehicle licensing and testing, which is carried out by the Carriage Office for the purpose of ensuring that the vehicles are both safe and suitable for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, under the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations, 1978.

An Garda Síochána has recently advised my Department that LPSV licensing and examinations are being conducted as normal throughout this period.  The office hours of the Carriage Office have been extended, and the office is currently open from 9.30am–4.30pm.  The Carriage Office is operating in line with all relevant Covid-19 safety procedures, including adherence to current social distancing guidelines and, as a result, only 1 person is permitted in the office at a time to allow for this.  

Given that the Carriage Office has continued to operate effectively in the provision of all services regarding LPSV licensing, there are no plans to provide for an extension to the periods of validity of LPSV licences at this time.