Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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314. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will allow part-time drivers to enter the market by removing the current requirement for all newly registered taxi vehicles to be wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs); if he will significantly increase the WAV SPSV grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39350/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing and the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, 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.

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. This was introduced in order to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in the SPSV fleet nationwide (taxis, hackneys, and limousines). This measure has increased the WAV penetration in the SPSV fleet from 4% in 2014 to 22% at the end of June 2025.

The WAV Grant Scheme 2025 (WAV25) is currently closed to applications, due to extremely high demand on opening day, but will open again for applications on 14 July 2025. €1 million is being allocated in Round 2, bringing the total spend for WAV25 to €7 million. This represents the highest level ever offered via the WAV Grant Scheme compared to €6 million in 2024.

Given the NTA's responsibility in the area of SPSV licensing and the WAV Grant, 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.