Robert Troy
Question:14. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out a review into the operation of rented taxi plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52841/23]
View answerThursday, 30 November 2023
Questions (14)
Written answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, 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.
In Ireland, just over 70% of SPSV operators are owner/operators but a rental market is also in place, wherein vehicle licence holders can rent out their licenced vehicles to other licenced SPSV drivers. This type of rental is legally permitted under the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015.
The person providing the rental must own the vehicle or be entitled to use it and be in possession of it while also being the holder of the vehicle licence, and must provide appropriate insurance for the period of the rental. This licence holder is the only party the NTA may engage with in respect of SPSV licensing activity and must notify the NTA of the rental.
While I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry, the NTA has informed me that a vehicle is licensed to operate anywhere in the country and therefore rented licenced vehicles may be operated anywhere within the State. The NTA has seen an increase in the number of rental agreement notifications in 2022 and 2023. Removing the lawful option to rent a licensed SPSV would result in an adverse impact on the SPSV industry as many operators, including new entrants to the industry, rent licensed SPSVs.
The Advisory Committee on SPSVs is the central focus of engagement with the SPSV sector in relation to issues affecting the sector. Drivers are an important part of the Committee’s membership, and four positions on the Committee, which are reserved for members who can represent driver interests, are filled by licenced SPSV drivers from across the country. I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers.