Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure taxi drivers who rent their plate are represented when filling the current vacancy on the advisory committee on small public service vehicles. [30296/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs), also known as the Taxi Advisory Committee, was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. The role of the Committee is to advise the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.

The membership of the Committee is specified in Section 72(4) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. To ensure that the Committee can provide an informed view on relevant policy and regulatory matters, its composition is prescribed by legislation to ensure that it represents a broad range of interests and, insofar as is practicable, ensures an equitable gender balance between men and women, and equitable representation from both urban and rural areas. Drivers are important members of the Committee, and four positions are reserved to represent driver interests.

As I advised the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 37 on 31st May 2023, there are currently five positions filled by licensed SPSV drivers from across the country and I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers.

The NTA on behalf of the Minister, is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the existing vacancy. This appointment will be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 72 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the fact no new taxi plates are being issued despite figures from his Department that indicate 131 new licences issued per month from September 2022 to March 2023. [30297/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016.

I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry and accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.