Mr. Kevin Doyle:

To clarify, it is in respect of the vehicle standards inspection. If it fails that inspection, for example, because it does not have the required roof sign or even a verified taxi meter, the operation of the section means we cannot just fail the vehicle and not renew the licence. Instead we are required to inform the applicant that we propose to fail the licence and not renew it. He or she has 14 days to make representations. We must then consider those representations and write to the applicant with our final decision. There is a further 28 days for the applicant to appeal the decision to the District Court before the decision to fail the vehicle on a straightforward technical matter can take effect. During this period of approximately two months the decision to fail the vehicle and not renew the licence does not take effect and, consequently, the licence continues.

It is in relation to vehicle standards and issues such as not having a roof sign to verify a taxi meter is in the taxi. It is only in relation to those aspects. In regard to one or two other issues raised, Mr. Hugh Creegan from the NTA may wish to respond.