Written answer
Taxi Licences
665. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason no extension has been granted to taxi drivers whose taxi licences expired after 13 June 2020, given the considerable waiting times that drivers face for NCT and suitability tests. [11933/20]
Comment on this
666. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to issues raised in correspondence by a taxi operator (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11934/20]
Comment on this
668. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend and extend the Small Public Service Vehicles (Emergency Measures Covid-19) Regulation 2020 beyond 31 December 2020 for vehicles due to reach their final operational dates in 2020, in view of the financial impact of the pandemic on the taxi sector; if he will keep this matter under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11945/20]
Comment on this
714. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi licences due for renewal after 15 June 2020 will be given an extension in view of the fact it is not possible to get an NCT test until after the licence expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12401/20]
Comment on this
720. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if provision will be made to provide an extension for cars due a taxi suitable test and NCT from June 12 2020 due to the backlog in NCT appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12440/20]
Comment on this
729. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with the backlog of NCT and suitability tests for the taxi industry due to test centres being closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. [12531/20]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 665, 666, 668, 714, 720 and 729 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including regulatory measures in response to the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.