Mr. Jim Waldron:

As I have said, we have been asking for a liaison officer within the Garda. We ask to be consulted or to be part of the process concerning such events.

With regard to the safety of taxi drivers, there are systems that drivers can use to try to help themselves, such as personal attack systems. However, we really need a liaison officer so we can have direct contact with the Garda.

This is for when incidents happen so they are not just forgotten about. A lot of drivers do not report. They say there is no point in reporting anymore as opposed to them coming into their association and saying "I was attacked last night". It may have been a minor incident or it may have been serious and they say that they may not carry on. We will say: "Hang on a second, we have someone you can talk to." The driver will then get advice professionally from An Garda Síochána. It is vitally important that the Garda be part of the taxi system also.