Michael Healy-Rae
Question:748. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding taxi drivers. [7081/13]
View answerTuesday, 12 February 2013
Questions (748)
Written answers
From the end of January 2013 it is a requirement that all small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators notify the National Transport Authority (NTA) about the vehicles they are operating at any time. This is a once-off notification in the case of SPSV drivers who own their own vehicle. Any changes such as with respect to rental agreements or change of vehicle will need to be notified.
I understand that free IT tools are available to facilitate this notification process, The "Taxi Industry Portal" smartphone application can be downloaded onto both Apple and Android smartphones. In addition, SPSV operators can use any PC or laptop to access the Taxi Portal over the Internet.
A call centre is currently operating all-day every-day to take telephone notifications. This is charged as a national number from landlines and mobile phones and is included in bundles of free calls from the various companies / operators. The call centre is operated by the NTA and noting this, I have asked the NTA to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the issues he has raised relating to access to the call-centre.
Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply from the NTA within 10 working days.