Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hackney Licences.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

363 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if an applicant for a hackney licence is precluded from obtaining same, merely due to the fact that they have to use a wheelchair for mobility when they are not using the car. [29886/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

The licensing and operation of small public service vehicles, including hackneys, is governed by the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002.

Under these regulations hackney licences may be granted by local licensing authorities in respect of a particular vehicle. This can only be done following the presentation of a vehicle test certificate and a certificate of suitability issued in respect of the vehicle by the national car testing service, demonstration that the use of the vehicle as a hackney is covered by insurance and the payment of the appropriate licensing fee of €250. A person who uses a wheelchair can be granted a hackney vehicle licence, subject to compliance with these requirements.

Hackneys, as with all small public service vehicles, may only be driven by persons who hold a current small public service vehicle drivers licence. Under the public service vehicles regulations the consideration of applications for the grant of a small public service vehicle driver's licence is administered by the Garda Commissioner. Applicants are required to have the following: a current driving licence; they must satisfy the Garda Commissioner that they are a fit and proper person to hold a licence to drive a small public service vehicle; have an adequate knowledge of general traffic regulations, the regulations relating to small public service vehicles and the area in which they propose to make services available as a driver of a small public service vehicle. In these circumstances, it is a matter for decision by the Garda Commissioner as to an applicant's suitability for a licence to drive a small public service vehicle.