Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I did not see the programme but heard reports about it. No more than anybody else, I would be shocked by the findings of the report and I commend those who carried out this investigation. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and his Minister of State met taxi personnel today at 11 o'clock. The Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, today announced a review arising from yesterday's investigative report.

Before I changed jobs here, I was a frequent user of taxis and I spoke to taxi drivers at length about the matter. On many occasions they pointed out to me that after doing 14 or 15 hours, they might have €50 for the day - others might be a little luckier. I met taxi drivers in Cabra, Phibsborough and throughout the city who had complaints ranging from lack of parking places for their taxis to the element of rogue taxis that have operated and are operating illegally in this city and other places, and the difficulties that, as the Deputy rightly points out, many of them face. Unfortunately they are not alone in facing those economic difficulties in their sector. If the taxi industry today were the same as it was up to the time that the then Minister of State, Mr. Bobby Molloy, deregulated the entire industry because he was not able to get any agreement on a structure at the time, things might be very different. However, we need to deal with the situation now.

The issue the Deputy raises is one that the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and in particular the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, who has responsibility for it, will consider.

I have a particular interest not only in vehicles used but also in the personal safety of those who travel, particularly those who are vulnerable at night. I want to see an end in this city and others to the operation of illegal taxis by those who purport to be legitimate, caring taxi drivers. The vast majority fall into the latter category but, unfortunately, there are a number who do not meet the criteria and they must be prevented from pretending to be legitimate taxi drivers providing a legitimate taxi service.

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