Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
727. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the regulations pertaining to the provision and use of pedal rickshaws for hire; if there are different requirements for powered rickshaws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22233/13]
View answerThere are no regulatory constraints over the use of rickshaws for hire at present. The offence under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (inserted by the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009) arising from the carriage of persons for reward without a licence only applies where the vehicle being used is licensed or capable of being licensed as a small public service vehicle. A rickshaw whether mechanically propelled or not is not capable at present of being licensed as a small public service vehicle. The Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 which is before the Oireachtas provides for a restatement of the offence provision so that, following enactment, the use of mechanically powered rickshaws for the purposes of carriage of persons for reward would not be allowed.
