134. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the consultation had with the insurance industry before introducing the recent legislative changes to the local area hackney licence scheme; if a regulatory impact assessment was carried out to determine whether operators would be able to obtain suitable insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53023/26]

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including local area hackney issues, 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.

Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.