The regulation of the taxi industry, including matters related to the issuing of hackney licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
In line with a commitment under the Programme for Government, a review group, that I am chairing, is currently examining a range of issues with regard to the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector. The review will address issues of concern to small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators and consumers alike.