Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
59. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport his response to the situation in which there are very few new entrants coming into the taxi industry (details supplied); and the steps that are being taken to speed up the issuing of SPSV licences. [25025/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Any changes in the approach to, and locations of, the Driver Entry Test to encourage growth and address the number of drivers available in the SPSV industry, are a matter for the NTA. As such, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The Government and the NTA have recently taken a number of steps to support taxi drivers who are already in the industry.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government has introduced a series of cost-of-living measures in recent weeks and months, including the reduction of excise duty by 20 cents a litre on petrol, and 15 cents a litre on diesel. For its part, the NTA is currently reviewing the existing Maximum Fares Order and has proposed an average increase of 12.5% on taxi fares from 31st August 2022. The NTA’s proposals are currently open for public consultation until May 27th.
By facilitating this increase in maximum fares, the NTA is addressing the pressures that the taxi industry clearly faces, particularly the rising cost of fuel. It is hoped that increasing taxi fares, particularly the premium fare which is charged for journeys taken between 8pm and 8am or on Sundays / public holidays, will encourage more taxi drivers to operate during that time, as well as making the sector more attractive to new entrants, thus increasing availability to passengers nationally.
