Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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87. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific steps that have been taken by the National Transport Authority to address taxi licensing issues, such as cars with tinted rear windows, and the provision of vehicles by hotels driven by unlicensed persons. [37309/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including responsibility for regulating (licensing and enforcement) the SPSV industry, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.

As the Deputy may be aware, An Garda Síochána (AGS) is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs, while the NTA licence suitable vehicles to operate as SPSVs in the fleet. Section 10 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 sets out the provisions in which AGS can grant a licence to a suitable person. When granting a SPSV driver licence, AGS must have regard to: whether the applicant if of good character; any concerns raised by the NTA or Garda Commissioner or other members of AGS regarding the applicant's suitability to hold a licence and any convictions for offences committed by the applicant.

In relation to SPSV vehicle windows, NTA vehicle standards require that clear glass must be adjacent to every seat to enable passengers to see who is in the vehicle, front and rear, and this enables enforcement agencies and the public to see what is happening inside the vehicle whilst passengers are on board.

Compliance with SPSV regulations is monitored and enforced by NTA’s dedicated compliance team together with An Garda Síochána. NTA’s compliance team works closely with An Garda Síochána and undertakes joint operations with them.

I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.