233. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport to outline all grant and financial support options available to taxi drivers for wheelchair accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1246/25]

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of grant and financial supports to SPSV drivers, 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 wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) Grant, which is administered by the NTA, provides financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet. Applicants to this grant scheme can avail of up to €17,500 in funding.

Separately, the eSPSV Grant Scheme is available to persons (individuals or companies) applying for new SPSV licences or existing SPSV licence holders who wish to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement electric vehicle. Applicants can avail of up to €25,000 in grant funding under this Scheme. The Scheme provides grants towards new and second hand EVs, with a higher level of funding on offer where you scrap your older, existing vehicle. It is possible to combine both the WAV and eSPSV Grants.

Microfinance Ireland provides unsecured business loans up to €50,000 to both Start-ups and established businesses which are having difficulty in getting access to funding through the usual credit institutions. Further details on loans that are available can be seen at this link: Small Business Loans - Microfinance Ireland at microfinanceireland.ie/