Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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369. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to alleviate the fuel costs been experienced by taxi drivers; and if there are plans to increase the set charge that taxis can charge. [19918/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, in relation to the rising cost of fuel, the Government announced, on March 9th last, a temporary reduction in the excise duties charged on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil. Excise duty was reduced by 20 cent per litre of petrol and 15 cent per litre of diesel. These reductions are in place until 31 August 2022 and should help to reduce the operating costs of non-electric SPSVs.

The maximum fares that may be charged by the driver of a taxi in respect of a journey undertaken in the State are established by the National Transport Authority by way of Maximum Fare Orders made under section 24 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. There is no role for the Minister in this process.

The current applicable order is the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2017, which took effect on 1 February 2018, and I can confirm to the Deputy that the NTA’s work on reviewing the maximum fares established under this order is well underway.  The objective of the Maximum Fare Review is to determine whether changes need to be made to the current level of maximum fares in response to market changes facing the taxi industry, as well as changes in annual taxi operating costs.  Fuel costs are a major contributor in considering any such fare increases. 

The NTA has confirmed that it is endeavouring to conclude the review process as quickly as possible in 2022, whilst still ensuring that all steps, including a consultation process, are appropriately completed.