Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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360. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider allowing SEAI electric vehicle grants to be paid directly to the garage from which a taxi driver wishes to purchase an electric vehicle to facilitate more taxi drivers purchasing electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19247/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector. Increasing the uptake of electric vehicle (EVs) in the SPSV sector also has a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options. As such, I was delighted to announce the continuation and extension of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme in 2021. Under this scheme enhanced supports, up to €20,000, will be now made available for eligible taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs. This includes assistance for drivers choosing to scrap an older SPSV and replace it with an EV. There is also enhanced support for drivers wishing to purchase an electric wheelchair accessible vehicle. The Scheme is administered by the NTA and the SPSV driver applies directly for the grant. The NTA then carries out a vehicle suitability check and once approved, processes and pays the grant. Further information can be found at .

In addition, the Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchase Grant Scheme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), currently provides up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car and up to €3,800 for the commercial purchase of a new electric van. The vehicles in question may be battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

Currently, the grant is paid directly to the dealerships who apply for the purchase grant on behalf of the customer. The grant is passed on directly to the customer in the form of a reduced price at the time of purchase. Further information is available at .

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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361. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the proposed cut to grants for hybrid cars will be redistributed to the overall fund for fully electric cars or if it will be returned to the Exchequer; the amount of this cut to the €5,000 grant will save or will provide for other EV grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19248/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department provides support through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) towards the purchase of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The EV Purchase Grant Scheme has recently been updated to support the most efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles on the market. Support in the form of government funding is being refocused to prioritise battery electric cars. Grants for these EVs will continue at a rate of €5000. From the 1st of July 2021, the value of the purchase grant for PHEVs will change from €5,000 to €2,500.

The SEAI grant scheme aims to encourage behavioural change and support the Government’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. The grant schemes are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort. The update to the scheme is in line with the wider policy approach being taken by other EU Member States due to the increasing recognition that PHEV emissions in the ‘real world’ are often higher than ‘official’ emission levels.

My Department has allocated €27 million in 2021 for grants under this scheme. To date this year, approximately €21 million has been spent.