Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (864, 867, 894, 962, 974, 976)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

864. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the guidelines for taxis returning to work post Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8363/20]

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

867. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to protect taxi drivers during the Covid-19 crisis; the advice his Department is providing on adapting vehicles; the financial and non-financial supports that will be put in place to help taxi drivers with this transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8370/20]

Hildegarde Naughton

Ceist:

894. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some insurance companies consider the erection of Covid-19 protective screens in vehicles as vehicle modification thus warranting the loss of cover; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that a directive from the National Transport Authority would negate this difficulty; if he will direct the NTA to issue directions to owners of small public service vehicles about making them Covid-19 safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8660/20]

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

962. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the guidelines which apply to driving a taxi during Covid-19; if passenger screens are mandatory; if so, the implications for insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9284/20]

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

974. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal requirements for screens in taxis. [9472/20]

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

976. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the type of PPE equipment that will be required for taxi and driving instructors to enable them to operate safely for both themselves and their clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9474/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 864, 867, 894, 962, 974 and 976 together.

In recognition of the economic, social and logistical importance of the overall transport sector, Government designated it among the essential services to continue during the Covid-19 health emergency. Public transport, including the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, remains an important service for those it has continued to carry, including essential workers and those making necessary journeys, and it will continue to play an important role in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.

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 day-to-day regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is, of course, a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

In its role as regulator, the NTA recognises the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are now dealing with and, as part of its response to this situation, has published information for the SPSV industry which includes guidelines, based on the latest available public health advice, on measures operators can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This document is available on the NTA's website.

The NTA has also taken a number of important actions to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators. It has extended licences expiring before 12 June 2020 by three months, waived late licence renewal fees, and temporarily relaxed rules around vehicle age limits. The need for further measures will continue to be reviewed in the context of the Government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business.

As industry regulator, issues relating to vehicle standards for SPSVs and insurance requirements for SPSVs come within the NTA’s area of responsibility and I have, therefore, forwarded your correspondence to the Authority for consideration and direct reply. Please advise this office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51