Michael Healy-Rae
Question:245. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport his views on taxi plates being rented in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37248/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (245)
Written answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, 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.
While I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry, the NTA has informed me that a vehicle is licensed to operate anywhere in the country. There are many multiple vehicle licence holders that rent licensed vehicles to drivers and that vehicle may be operated anywhere within the State. SPSV Regulations permit a vehicle licence owner to rent out or lease the insured and licensed taxi, hackney or limousine to another person with or without actual money changing hands.
The vehicle licence owner providing the rental package must be the registered owner of the vehicle (or be entitled to use it as an SPSV for a minimum period of 12 months), have the vehicle licensed in their name, and must provide the insurance on the vehicle. That is normally included in the rental fee to the licensed driver. This licence holder is the only party the NTA may engage with in respect of SPSV licensing activity. The SPSV licence holder providing the rental must notify NTA of the rental, either using NTA’s online system, or by calling the SPSV Information Line on 0818 064 000.