Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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55. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his consultations with taxi representatives on reforms needed in the sector; if his attention has been drawn to the financial challenges facing drivers as a result of the current restrictions, with overhead costs such as taxi insurance, for example, still requiring payment despite many taxi drivers not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I have met with delegates from four taxi representative groups on two occasions. At my most recent meeting I stressed the importance of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles and the important role it plays in advising my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the issues facing the industry. I advised the representatives that the Committee will remain the focus of my engagement with the SPSV industry as it brings together a diverse membership representing SPSV operators and passengers. I noted that there are four vacancies which could be filled by SPSV driver representatives and I encouraged the representatives to consider applying for these vacancies.

I am aware of the financial challenges facing SPSV drivers. The NTA has taken action since the start of the pandemic to alleviate the operating costs of drivers. The Government's "Stimulus" announcment in July contained several measures that can be availed of by self-employed individuals including SPSV operators. These included a number of investment and liquidity measures as well as the COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant. The recent Budget contained further measures, including a new €15 million scrappage scheme for operators of older SPSVs, a waiver of vehicle licence renewal fees for 2021, and a new income disregard for self-employed Pandemic Unemployment Payment recipients, allowing them to earn up to €480 monthly before tax but after expenses such as insurance. I understand that the NTA has also proposed a further extension of vehicle age limits and that consultation on this proposal is now underway.