Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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208.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will personally review the fee being charged for a public service vehicle licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31739/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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.

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.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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209.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline how a person can obtain an SPSV licence; if persons with a criminal conviction are able to obtain an SPSV licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31795/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including the licensing of vehicles to operate in that sector, 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.

Two licences are required to operate in the SPSV industry in Ireland. These are: an SPSV driver licence, which is obtainable from An Garda Síochána (AGS), and a vehicle licence, which is granted by the NTA. As the SPSV licensing authority, the NTA grants licences allowing taxis, hackneys, local area hackneys and limousines to operate in Ireland, after having met conditions set down by the NTA.

Under section 6(2) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, AGS is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs. AGS is responsible for vetting applicants to assess their suitability; administering applications received and, where appropriate, granting and renewing SPSV driver licences. AGS also has the power to revoke or suspend SPSV driver licences. The NTA is not involved in this process.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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210.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of section 15 nomination forms for taxi licences that have been lodged with the National Transport Authority for each of the past five years; and if he aware that section 15 nomination forms are being sold for up to €60,000 and are being openly advertised for sale on websites (details supplied). [31798/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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.

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.