Patrick Costello
Ceist:94. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with taxi driver unions to hear the difficulties faced by the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 June 2021
Ceisteanna (94)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department and the National Transport Authority have continually engaged with the SPSV sector, including taxi driver representatives, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have met with taxi unions twice in the past year. Other Ministers have also met with taxi driver representatives; the Taoiseach met with them last month and the Tánaiste met with them late last year. I have also met twice with the Advisory Committee on Small Public Services (SPSVs), a statutory committee established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to advise the Minister and the NTA in relation to the SPSV sector. The Committee's membership represents a broad range of interests with four positions held by SPSV drivers.
I know from this engagement how badly the SPSV industry has been affected by COVID-19. That is why drivers have been able to avail of the Government’s wide-ranging portfolio of horizontal economic supports. Drivers are able to avail of the PUP, which has been extended to February 2022. Drivers can also earn up to €980 in a given eight week period, net of expenses, while still receiving the payment, a measure that will become increasingly important to drivers as society reopens and passenger demand returns. This has been supplemented by targeted measures to address the costs faced by drivers which cannot be easily suspended or deferred. €15 million has been allocated to grants towards the purchase of electric vehicles. Standard licence renewal fees for 2020 were waived and will be waived again in 2021. A scheme will also be established to refund NCT and Motor Tax for SPSV operators for a 12 month period. The NTA will administer these refund schemes and further details, including the commencement date and how to apply, should be available during the third quarter of this year.