Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

288. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of a situation affecting taxi drivers, in which newly purchased vehicles that are factory fitted to the European standard and come with tinted rear windows are deemed unacceptable to the taxi regulator, requiring taxi drivers to purchase replacements and undertake a lengthy modification process; and to make a statement on if will change the regulations to allow drivers to operate their vehicles until the new glass is fitted. [28937/25]

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

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 Consolidated Taxi Regulations Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

I am aware that the NTA's 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 officers and the public to see what is happening inside the vehicle whilst passengers are on board. Before purchasing vehicles to be used in the SPSV sector, I would advise operators to consult the NTA's suitable vehicle list (available here: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Suitable_Vehicle_List_13_07_2023.pdf) and the Initial Suitability Inspection Manual (available here: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Initial_Suitability_Inspection_Manual.pdf) to satisfy themselves that the vehicle which is being considered for purchase is suitable to operate as an SPSV. In relation to window tint, I would urge operators to check the approval number on the glass. If the Roman numeral 'V' is next to the European approval number, the glass is too dark and will not pass the initial suitability inspection.

Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to them for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.