Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

On the latter question, no firm decisions have been made in that area but it is being investigated. The Deputy seems to imply that the taxi drivers did not speak about the requirement to change the nine-year rule previously. The drivers we met understood that consumers needed to have confidence in their vehicles. The consumer groups' representatives on the committee stated clearly that they expected a very modern fleet. Bearing this in mind and given the financial difficulties in which the drivers find themselves, this was the compromise reached. It is a compromise that was welcomed by the consumer groups and the taxi industry. It recognises those drivers who have cars and have been in the industry for many years - preceding 2009 - and generally many of them are full-time drivers. They are allowed to hold on to their cars for 14 years. This is a very effective and good compromise. It instils confidence in consumers, who know that they need to pass the standards test and an NCT every six months, which is appropriate.

See this speech in context