Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

There will be no elitism in the operation of the review group. I am taking on board the Deputy's comments in a very sincere way. There is somebody with multiple licences in the review group because this is one of the core issues with which we have to deal. I am absolutely determined to deal with the issues that have arisen, with which we are familiar. The process of managing, renting and hiring multiple licences, one of the reasons issues such as fraud and criminality are arising, will have to be addressed. That is why there is a requirement for someone who operates multiple licences to be in the group. Obviously, I am casting no aspersions on any individual. There is a full-time taxi driver in the group. Such drivers are represented.

I would welcome further consolidation of the representative associations. The fragmentation of the industry groups is not helpful. It is difficult to get a hold on the extent to which each association is representative. If all the figures were added up, the final figure might exceed the number of drivers in the country. I repeat what I have said previously - I will reconsider the composition of the review group if there is consolidation of the associations.

The first meeting of the review group took place yesterday and it was very successful. I was very happy with the manner in which it was dealt with. Deputy Ellis made a valid point about the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners. I have put in place a process that will allow subgroups to work with officials from these bodies to address the issues raised by the Deputy. As chairman of the group, I am conscious that the income of drivers is an issue. I repeat that I want to ensure it is worthwhile to work in the taxi industry. That is a very important aspect of the work of the group.

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