Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
756. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assistance that is being put in place to assist taxi drivers in getting back to work after the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted; if these workers will be entitled to financial assistance to help them get back to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7291/20]
View answer788. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans and the plans of the taxi regulator to assist taxi drivers to return to the workplace as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted in the coming period. [7538/20]
View answer811. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the support measures made available for taxi drivers who are faced with insurance costs, loan repayments and other expenses in view of the fact many drivers have lost almost all of their business. [7714/20]
View answer821. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports available for a sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7840/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 756, 788, 811 and 821 together.
I understand the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the COVID-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I also note that self-employed owner-operators of SPSVs may avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has also taken a number of actions to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change.
The NTA has extended licences expiring before 12 June 2020 by three months, waived late licence renewal fees, and temporarily relaxed rules around vehicle age limits. It has engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decide to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Arrangements are in place to facilitate the swift re-activation of the suspended licence when such an SPSV operator wishes to return to work.
