Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1049: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps taken to ensure enforcement of taxi regulations in Dublin city over the Christmas period; the way this compared with enforcement in previous years including Garda checkpoints; if his attention has been drawn to the suggestions that there was a large increase in taxis from the surrounding counties and drivers with no licences working in the city over the holiday period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1372/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The regulation of the taxi industry, including all matters relating to the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, is the overall responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA). Authorised persons may be appointed under Section 49 of the 2003 Act to perform the enforcement functions necessary to support the regulation of the taxi sector. Members of the Gardaí are deemed to be authorised persons under the 2003 Act.

Information in relation to enforcement duties performed by the NTA compliance officers over the Christmas period, and comparisons with previous years, is retained by the NTA. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

As part of the Taxi Regulation Review, enforcement matters were among a range of important issues examined. I hope to be in a position to announce the outcome of the Review shortly.