606. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport his views on concerns that have been raised regarding the fixed fare service for taxi drivers (details supplied). [63830/26]

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including taxi fares, 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.

From a legislative perspective, Section 24 of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 & 2016 empowers the NTA Board to make a “Maximum Fares Order” fixing the maximum fare that may be charged by the driver of a taxi for any journey. The current maximum fares order took effect in December 2024, and a maximum fare review is carried out approximately every 2 years. The NTA has conducted these reviews since 2011. Hackneys and limousines agree their fares in advance and do not use a meter. As set out in the legislation, charging more than this maximum fare can lead to a prosecution, however, charging below the maximum fare is permitted.

Minister O’Brien wrote to the NTA in November 2025 to request clarification on the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. In its response to his letter, the Minister was advised by the NTA that the charging of a fixed fare is in accordance with the applicable regulations. He was also advised that the NTA continues to keep the regulatory model under review.

The structure of the taxi and hackney market has undoubtedly changed since liberalisation of the market in 2002, and more notably in recent years, in relation to the role of dispatch operators. In response to this, and as you are likely aware, the NTA held a Call for Inputs consultation on the dispatch operator licensing framework which closed on 17 April 2026. A public consultation will be held later this year on legislative developments arising from this Call for Inputs exercise.

SPSV operators are self-employed and may decide to sign-up, or not, with a licensed dispatch operator, such as Uber. They are not obliged by the Department or the NTA to be affiliated with any dispatch operator but where they choose to do so, they are free to contract with a dispatch operator of their choice. They also decide on their own hours of work within the SPSV regulatory framework.

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 reply within 10 working days.