261. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration is being given to changing the ten-year rule for SPSV licence holders (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37317/25]

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, 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.

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.

For the Deputy's information, a separate licensing regime is administered by An Garda Síochána under the Road Traffic Acts. This relates to Article 60 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 which applies to the licensing of large public service vehicles and ambulances, particularly those that are one year old or more. Bus Éireann operates the School Transportation Service on behalf of the Department of Education and awards contracts to eligible operators to provide this service. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the Article 60 licensing regime, and stakeholder engagement is ongoing in this regard.