Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

There can be a bit of give on both sides in this case. The range and condition of taxis vary considerably. From experience, I know the vast majority of those who supply a taxi service fulfil a public need and do so in an exemplary manner. Many of them work exceptionally hard for very little return in many cases.

The Deputy will agree that the Minister for Transport, together with his Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly, have acted swiftly. I expect the terms of reference of the commission investigating the matter to be fixed within the next three weeks. It will possibly be given a period of two or three months in which to report.

Having arrived in this city from the west late at night on umpteen occasions, I have noticed lines of taxis in particular areas. If a regulatory official or garda starts to check the taxis in these lines, he or she notices that 15, 20 or 30 pull out from the line because they know they are not in compliance with the law. We must change this and make it easier for those who are perfectly legitimate to earn a living from the work they do in an exemplary fashion.

The Deputy's suggestions for the commission to be overseen by the Minister of State will be more than welcome when it is established. I assume that in due course we can debate the matter properly through the committee system or in the House when appropriate.

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