Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I am disappointed that the Minister of State has made it clear he will not review the matter. As somebody who welcomed the steering group, I see it as a very important step. Previously, there was an elitist attitude on the part of the regulator who would not meet taxi men or public representatives even though many requests were made. I ask the Minister to consider the fact that the ordinary taxi man with a single licence is not represented on this group. It appears some of those represented on it hold multiple plates. It is not fair that the ordinary taxi man with a single plate is not represented. There is scope for officials from the Department of Social Protection, the Revenue Commissioners and, possibly, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service to be represented. I urge the Minister of State to consider including them in the group, as they could make a big contribution to examining all aspects of the taxi industry. There is a good deal of anger among ordinary taxi men who hold single plates. They constitute the vast majority of taxi drivers. I, therefore, ask the Minister of State to re-examine the matter.

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