Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

I understand it will be before the committee in the next two weeks. It may even be next Wednesday. The Taoiseach has already committed to having a debate in the House following a question. There will be time provided for this. I take on board what the Deputy is saying on many of the issues. I welcome the debates in both fora because they are necessary.

I have heard many comments on various aspects of the report from people of many political allegiances and none. The report has been broadly welcomed. Considerable implementation work is required. I accept that and the NTA will be primarily responsible in that regard. I will work very closely with it. I took on the chairing of the relevant committee myself and, as such, am happy that the recommendations are the fairest ones that will bring the industry up to the standard required by consumers and taxi drivers. It is a matter of ensuring a safe environment for both drivers and consumers.

I want to make the industry one in which one can make a fair living. That was a core principle that I drove home throughout this process. I look forward to debating the intricacies of all the recommendations.

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