Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
223. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi drivers can block off the front seat of their taxis in an effort to maintain social distancing with their passengers even if their licence is for a four-seater vehicle; and if they do this, if there will be a penalty. [19742/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to insurance companies seeking to have an engineer's report carried on the car of taxi drivers who have installed a Covid-19 protection screen; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the drivers have to pay for the report but the engineer is chosen by the insurance company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19796/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra291. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific return-to-work protocols were issued to taxi drivers. [20960/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 223, 229 and 291 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the statutory regulator for the SPSV sector under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, has published information for the SPSV industry on COVID-19 which includes guidelines in relation to the installation of temporary dividing screens. This information is available on the NTA's website.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
