220. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the measures that are in place to prevent potential exploitation of the wheelchair-accessible taxi grant scheme by rental firms, which would prevent other drivers from owning their own taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1094/25]

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme, 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 NTA introduced a number of updates to the 2025 Grant Scheme to support applicants. These included setting two application periods, with the second round for applications due to open in July 2025; limiting the applications that a single party can make from 10 to 5, and extending the time limit for grant offers to successful applicants from 3 months to 5 months, to allow more time for completion of the grant process.

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 response within 10 working days.