Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to let Mr. Waldron know that I have great sympathy for the taxi industry. I would agree with him that the industry has unfortunately, through regulation, been allowed to get too big to be fair to drivers. That is the real problem. We have a huge amount of capacity and now, during the downturn caused by Covid, many people are at risk. I support Mr. Waldron's call for step-down payments. One cannot ask people to give up a Government subsidy or support and go out to work. I took a taxi last night and the gentleman who drove me told me that he had three fares over the course of eight hours yesterday. That is the reality on the ground.

I will ask about modifications to cars. Is there a policy in this regard within the taxi industry? This man had quite a bit of perspex in his car and was fully shielded. Is that the policy for all taxis now?