John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to public concern about standards in the taxi industry in relation to both drivers knowledge of the local area and quality of cars; and in view of the implications for passenger safety and comfort, the steps he will take to address this matter. [26651/11]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The regulation of the taxi industry, including matters related to both drivers' knowledge of the local area and quality of vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003.

The NTA is committed to introducing a comprehensive Skills Development Programme in line with international best practice and, to this end, made it compulsory for new applicants to the industry to undertake that Programme and pass the SPSV entry test and to have received an SPSV Skills Development Certificate.

The Authority is also currently reviewing the small public service vehicle standards and has engaged in a public consultation on proposed measures this year with a view to improving the quality of service, comfort and safety of all passengers and drivers. I should add that the review of the taxi sector announced by me on the 8th June last will consider the promotion of good standards relating to drivers operating in the sector and appropriate vehicle standards, as part of the wide ranging issues to be addressed in the review. It is my firm intention that the work of the review group will deal with the issues and concerns the Deputy has outlined which are, unfortunately, a feature of the taxi sector in Ireland currently.