Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
243. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the legislation that allows dispatch operators to set fares below the national taxi tariff, given concerns that this practice undermines the Government appointed regulator and creates unfair competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66044/25]
View answer245. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will assess the need to amend legislation in order that only the vehicle licence holder can offer a fare below the metered tariff, as is being called for by taxi drivers who warn that current arrangements place them at financial and regulatory risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66046/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 245 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of fares, 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 sector.
Section 24 of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 empowers the NTA Board to make a 'Maximum Fares Order' fixing the maximum fare that may be charged by the driver of a taxi for any journey and ensuring the protection of passengers. The current maximum fares order took effect in December 2024 and a maximum fare review is carried our approximately every two years. The NTA has conducted these reviews since 2011. It should be noted that hackneys and limousines agree their fares in advance and do not use a meter.
As set out in the legislation, charging in excess of this maximum fare can lead to a prosecution however, charging below the maximum fare is permitted. In addition, there is a list of fixed payment offences associated with the misuse of taximeters set out by the NTA in the Small Public Service Vehicle (Fixed Payment Offences and Driver Licence Period) Regulations 2022. I understand that the Uber Fixed Price offer is not in breach of the regulatory provisions regarding the maximum fare, and does not constitute an offence associated with the misuse of taximeters. I have asked the NTA as regulator to formally clarify the position. SPSV operators are self-employed and can decide whether (or not) to sign-up with a licensed dispatch operator, such as Uber. They are not obliged to be affiliated with a dispatch operator in Ireland. Where they choose to do so, taxi drivers are free to contract with any dispatch operator of their choice.
Neither I, my Department nor the NTA are parties to the commercial or contractual arrangements in place between SPSV drivers and dispatch operator(s).
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
