Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

251. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expedite the process of drivers renewing their PSV licences, as delays have led to significant loss in earnings for these drivers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13755/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (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 have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

As set out in section 6 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, An Garda Síochána (AGS) is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs in Ireland, whilst the NTA licences suitable vehicles to operate as SPSVs. I am not involved in the granting or renewal of SPSV driver licences, as this responsibility rests with AGS and the Garda Commissioner.

Drivers can apply for renewal of their licence up to three months before the driver licence expires and the NTA sends out courtesy reminders advising drivers of this fact. This ensures that a driver licence does not expire and that updated driver identity and display cards are received from the NTA in time to continue working without interruption. It can take up to 12 weeks for a renewal to be processed by An Garda Síochána.

Irrespective of when a driver renews their driver licence, before its expiry date, the new date will be five years from the current expiry date. There is no disadvantage to starting the renewal process three months before that date. Renewal applications are processed by AGS and, if approved, an SPSV driver licence will be issued. The NTA will then process and issue the driver identity and display cards associated with that licence.

It is a criminal offence to operate without a current SPSV driver licence. A conviction for this offence attracts a penalty of up to €5,000.