Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 1

Written Answers - Public Service Vehicle Licences.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

238 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a decision made by his Department that PSV licences should not be issued to, and will not be renewed for, persons who are in full time employment; the discussions, if any, his Department have had with the Garda authorities regarding this matter; if his attention has been drawn to the effect this decision will have on many people who drive taxis on a part-time basis to earn additional money; his views on this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5636/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The decision whether or not to issue small public service vehicle drivers licences is a matter exclusively for the Garda Commissioner in accordance with Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 (S. I. 191 of 1963) as amended. I have no function in the matter.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that in accordance with the above regulations an applicant must provide a written undertaking that, if the licence is granted, the driver's services will be available as a driver of a small public service vehicle for at least 40 hours in each week and that in any period of three consecutive days the driver will not so drive for more than 11 hours a day.

The Commissioner or his authorised officer is obliged to grant the licence if he is satisfied that the applicant, amongst other requirements, is a fit and proper person to hold a licence to drive a small public service vehicle drivers licence, and the applicant is not engaged in any occupation which, in the opinion of the Commissioner or his authorised officer is likely to impair his/her efficiency or to conflict with his/her responsibilities or to be incompatible with his employment as a small public service vehicle drivers licence.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that, where an applicant is refused a licence by the Commissioner, he/she has a right of appeal to the District Court under the relevant regulations.

Finally, all holders of small public service vehicle driver licences must renew their drivers licences on an annual basis and satisfy the Commissioner that they are fulfilling the conditions as laid down in the regulations.