Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The issue initially raised in the Deputy's supplementary question is a matter for the taxi regulator. I am not privy to the details of what progress has been made in that regard. I am sure, however, that if she said she would have the standards protocol in place in January, she will do so.

As regards the moratorium, I have followed with interest the discussions at the Joint Committee on Transport concerning taxi regulation. It was made clear at the committee that, given the High Court decision, the law as it stands makes it impossible for any kind of moratorium to be introduced just on the basis of controlling numbers. The report the committee compiled will be examined, however. I am aware of the various legal viewpoints that were put forward in that report, which will be considered in the Department.

See this speech in context