Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ellis for his contribution. I note from previous contributions he has made and conversations I have had with him that he has a strong interest in the issue of taxis. The taxi Bill to be introduced in the Seanad early in the new year is the most comprehensive legislation on taxis in the history of the State. I hope everyone will support the Bill as it offers the only way forward for the taxi industry. It addresses every aspect of the taxi sector and empowers the National Transport Authority to implement and enforce taxi regulations.

I concur with many of the points Deputy Ellis makes. Enforcement is critical. Last year, 3,000 vehicles were inspected, a substantial number by any standards. However, further improvements can be made, which is the reason we are empowering the Garda to increase the number of inspections it carries out and impose on-the-spot fines. It will also be possible to suspend a taxi driver's licence where there is repeat offending.

I fully agree with the Deputy on the need to empower the National Transport Authority to use other monitoring tools at ranks, including CCTV. Serious issues, including criminality, arise at taxi ranks and must be addressed.

The Deputy makes a good point on door signage, which is crucial. It was the taxi regulation review group, rather than me, which decided that signage was necessary. Its recommendation was put to the taxi committee, which consists of taxi drivers, and it decided on the form the signage should take. We must examine the possibility of using roof signage to ensure drivers operate only in the areas in which they are licensed to operate. I am sick and tired of hearing stories of large numbers of taxis from outside the area arriving at major events such as the Galway Races or the Cork Jazz Festival to make a quick buck by taking the revenue of full-time local drivers. Action will be taken on this issue.

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