Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
162. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a group (details supplied) is calling on the National Transport Authority to act on behalf of its industry and introduce a temporary stopgap of one euro to all metered fares during an extremely difficult period for all taxi operators given the increase in fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the support or assistance that will be provided to taxi drivers who are facing substantial increases in fuel costs at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there plans to permit a surcharge for taxi drivers given the rising fuel costs perhaps through an amendment of the maximum fares order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to assist taxi drivers that are providing an essential public transport service given the increase in fuel charges; if he is engaging with taxi driver representatives to discuss their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14435/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 164, 189 and 191 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of maximum fares, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Under the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order which took effect on 1 February 2018, it is not possible to allow a surcharge to be applied by the SPSV industry to fares, as the Deputy suggests. The Deputy may be aware that work on the latest NTA Review of the National Maximum Fare is well underway and fuel costs are a major contributor in considering fare increases. The objective of the Review is to determine whether changes need to be made to the current level of maximum fares in response to market changes facing the taxi industry as well as changes in annual taxi operating costs. The NTA has confirmed that it is endeavouring to conclude the review process as quickly as possible in 2022 whilst still ensuring that all steps, including a consultation process, are appropriately completed.
In relation to the rising cost of fuel, the Government announced on March 9th last, a temporary reduction in the excise duties charged on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil. Excise duty is being reduced by 20 cent per litre of petrol and 15 cent per litre of diesel. These reductions are in place until 31 August 2022 and should help to reduce the operating costs of non-electric SPSVs.
Recognising that the replacement of a vehicle is the single largest cost faced by any SPSV operator, and in view of my commitment to support the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles, I announced on February 4th last, the re-opening of the eSPSV Grant Scheme with a further €15 million allocated to it for 2022. The take-up rate for this Scheme was exceptionally high in 2021: almost 600 drivers successfully applied for grants, with over €11 million paid out as well as €4 million in provisional grant offers. The operation of the Scheme is a matter for the NTA and details of the Scheme are available on the NTA’s website.
