Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
149. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the time to renew a taxi licence beyond the current 24 months, in cases in which the licenceholder has been through a long period of serious illness within the specified 24 months. [36533/24]
View answer165. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the current renewal timeframe of 24 months where a taxi licence has lapsed, in cases where the licenceholder may have been hospitalised due to Covid, and incapacitated due to other serious illnesses during the two-year renewal period, and has since been endeavouring to renew the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37022/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 165 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
In July 2021, under The Small Public Service Vehicle (Emergency Measure COVID-19) (Expired Licence) Regulations 2021, the NTA increased the 12-month period that a taxi, hackney or limousine licence may remain in inactive status after its expiry, to 24 months. This was a permanent amendment to the Regulations.
I have referred your question to the NTA for attention and direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if a response is not received within 10 working days.
