Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2026
64. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to ensure that the growth of app-based dispatch operators does not undermine the ability of the National Transport Authority to regulate the SPSV sector independently and in the interests of drivers, passengers and the wider public. [70267/26]
View answer65. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the regulatory framework governing the SPSV sector is being determined by the National Transport Authority in the public interest rather than being shaped by the corporate structures and business models of large international platform operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70266/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The principal function of the NTA is the development, operation and maintenance of a regulatory framework for the licensing and regulation of the standards to be applied to SPSVs, their drivers, and dispatch operators. This is done in accordance with the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 and all associated regulations and orders.
As part of its role, the NTA continues to review and modernise the regulatory framework for SPSVs and regularly involves relevant stakeholders and the public in this process through public consultations. For example, the structure of the taxi and hackney market has undoubtedly changed since liberalisation of the market in 2002, and more notably in recent years, in relation to the role of dispatch operators. In response to this, the NTA held a Call for Inputs consultation on the dispatch operator licensing framework earlier this year. The results of this Call for Inputs exercise will be presented to the NTA’s Board later this year and a public consultation will be held soon afterwards on legislative developments arising from this Call for Inputs exercise.
