Taxi Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Ceisteanna (249, 250)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

249. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of reports of a rise in illegal taxi operators in certain areas; if he has communicated with the National Transport Authority on the issue of illegal operators; if he will list the occasions within the past year that he has communicated with the NTA on this matter; if he has concerns at the approach being taken by the NTA to address the prevalence of illegal operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16584/23]

Martin Browne

Ceist:

250. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if he has requested the National Transport Authority to outline the action it has taken to address the prevalence of illegal taxi operators; his concerns on the impact that illegal operators can have on the livelihoods of legal operators in certain areas; the measures he has taken to request the NTA take steps to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16585/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including enforcement and compliance in 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.  I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.

Any communications received by me or my Department regarding illegal operators in the SPSV industry are sent to the NTA for investigation by the NTA's enforcement team.  

Accordingly, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days. 

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 249.

Question No. 251 answered with Question No. 246.

Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 246.

Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 246.