Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

121.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to reintroduce the issuing of new taxi licences for sale for saloon cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24800/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

In June 2010, the NTA introduced S.I. No. 250 of 2010 - Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Grant of Taxi Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 to only issue new taxi and hackney licences for wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys.

Under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy: Action Plan 2022 – 2025, the NTA is tasked with increasing the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in the SPSV fleet (taxis, hackneys and limousines) from the number in place at the end of 2021 by 25%, by the end of 2025. To support the wider availability of WAVs, the Department has funded the WAV grant scheme annually since 2014, to provide financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet. As of 30 April 2024, the WAV penetration of the SPSV fleet (taxis, hackneys, and limousines) is 19.35%, while the percentage of wheelchair accessible taxis in the taxi fleet is 28.67%.

Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for attention. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.