Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
278. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his views on putting in place a grant to assist blind and visually impaired people having difficulty accessing taxi services due to increasing costs. [43919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of grants for the SPSV sector, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. In addition to its statutory responsibilities, the NTA has various arrangements with the Department of Transport to discharge functions on its behalf. This includes the assignment to the NTA of the management of the Public Transport Accessibility Investment Programme.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
