Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will share my time with Senator Conway-Walsh. Similar to what other members have said, we all recognise that rural transport is on its knees. It has been neglected for decades. People are finding it increasingly difficult to get from A to B in their communities. The lack of investment in our public transport system, including in Bus Éireann services, has left it even more problematic.

The real worry pertains to sacrificing standards and this is being weighed against the real need to look at other mechanisms to provide transport for people who are basically stranded, it is fair to say, in parts of rural areas. With regard to Mr. O'Reilly's suggestion, was he speaking about one licence per town or village? Deputy Troy spoke about the fact that the very rural nature of villages means they are not financially viable for taxis. In a modestly sized town where people are coming from pubs and clubs, a taxi driver will do the local runs rather than going down byroads and boreens and losing their way. How would this be financially viable for taxi drivers given the witnesses are speaking about providing seven or eight-seater vehicles and wheelchair accessible vehicles? Will the drivers have to invest in new vehicles to provide this service?

What exactly is the subsidy? What are the costings? The witnesses accept the service is unlikely to be financially viable because if it was, then other taxi drivers would be providing it. What would be required in the grant or subsidy? The witnesses must have some idea in their heads. Will they elaborate on what the grant or subsidy should be to make it financially viable?

How do they propose to monitor the ring-fencing of an area? A certain number of kilometres between villages was mentioned. Who would regulate or oversee this? How would it work?

I accept that of course we must look at alternatives but when people get into a taxi they feel safe because they know there are regulations and standards. There is also the insurance cost. There is this security. How could the service being proposed by the witnesses offer people the same security?