Mr. David McGuinness:

TTnH is a voluntary organisation representing full-time taxi drivers. It was formed in 2010 and given a mandate to make legal challenges on behalf of its members. The need for legal challenges arises on foot of the lack of fair consultation, decision-making and appeals processes in the industry.

Legislation is proceeding in the Houses of the Oireachtas which will set the pathway for the taxi sector for the foreseeable future. While welcoming the Minister's commitment to reform the industry and the inclusion in the Bill of measures to increase consumer confidence, for which stakeholders have petitioned for many years, TTnH believes the measures must strike an even balance for service providers and customers alike.

As outlined in our submission, TTnH, as an organisation representing single licenceholders, believes that, with amendments or additions to the proposed Bill, the taxi sector could become a viable, safe and profitable industry for full-time single licenceholders.

Statements from the National Transport Authority and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport suggest the taxi industry is an integral part of the public transport system. However, the evidence points to the contrary. The lack of taxi spaces, the failure of some county councils to introduce by-laws in regard to taxi spaces, the closure of taxi ranks without prior consultation and the lack of taxi spaces at major events all create a difficult working environment and cause disillusionment in the industry.

We thank the joint committee for giving us this second opportunity to make a submission. Unfortunately, despite many requests, the National Transport Authority considers it unnecessary to meet our organisation or consult any taxi group not involved in the taxi advisory committee. We will be happy to debate the following issues with the committee, as highlighted in our submission: a failure to tackle the issues of over-supply and PAYE workers; there being no exit strategy; non-transferability; vetting procedures; having a proper and meaningful negotiating process; the lack of an appeals process; enforcement and the demerit scheme; the National Transport Authority; stamp 2 visas; wheelchair accessible taxis and maximum fares. We hope that with the help of the committee, some of these issues can be readdressed. We thank the Chairman and members of the committee for giving us the opportunity to express our concerns.