Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
242. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the impact of app-based dispatch operators offering fares below the regulated taxi meter tariff; the effect this is having on the viability of the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66043/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement his Department has had with the National Transport Authority regarding reports that reduced fares offered through app-based operators are threatening the income of taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66045/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 244 and Question No 242 together.
The NTA is the independent transport regulator of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector. The ongoing protests by taxi drivers concerning the taxi fixed price option on the Uber app, is not a matter for the Department of Transport or the NTA to address.
Taxi drivers, who are self-employed operators, make a business decision to sign up (or not) with a licensed dispatch operator and are not obliged by the NTA to sign up with any dispatch operator.
Dispatch operators are required to provide bookings to SPSV licenced drivers using SPSV licenced vehicles, only. Where taxi drivers choose to affiliate with a dispatch operator, they are free to contract with a dispatch operator of their choice.
I have issued a letter to the NTA on 19 November last asking that they clarify the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike.
