Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State knows that part of the world well. Deregulation also brought many problems, and this Bill is comprehensively dealing with some of the challenges and problems arising from the liberal deregulation of the industry. It is important to note that the majority of operators in the taxi industry are professional and conscientious individuals operating a professional service, although a small number may abuse the trust placed in them by the travelling public. It is important that legislation is introduced to deal with that small minority.

This Bill follows a commitment in the programme for Government regarding regulation of the taxi industry, bringing in sight an end to a long period of uncertainty for the industry. It replaces the inept 2003 Act and addresses legislative deficiencies ignored for almost ten years. The Bill addresses many of the errors that the previous Administration made in the area and brings to an end the lackadaisical approach to regulation and enforcement. The changes proposed by this Bill have been broadly welcomed by the majority of stakeholders, notwithstanding a number of minor concerns which I hope can be addressed during the course of the progression of this Bill through the House. It will not be welcomed by rogue operators in the industry who have been cutting corners and flouting the law in the knowledge that there was very little chance of them being caught by enforcement officers. It is against this background that professional and law-abiding taxi drivers have had to work and compete against those who refuse to comply with rules. This practice had to be tackled and I commend the Minister for seizing the opportunity to do so in the form of this legislation.

The Bill introduces a strengthened regime to exclude persons convicted of certain offences from operating as taxi drivers either indefinitely or for a specified period. It also proposes to establish a demerit or penalty points system for breaches of new regulations. Importantly, it confers additional regulatory powers for the National Transport Authority, including provisions regarding the licensing of small public service vehicle drivers. It permits the authority to enter service agreements for the purpose of enforcement and for gardaí to issue fixed charge notices for a larger number of offences and breaches of taxi regulations.

This Bill will ensure a departure from and no return to the inadequate laissez-faireapproach to taxi regulation which has been the scourge of the industry for the past ten years. It will foster a greater sense of confidence among consumers in the professionalism and rectitude of those operating in the sector. It places safety, compliance and professionalism to the fore and will provide reassurance for those who abide by the rules and drive from the industry those who do not.

The Bill's provisions are in addition to a number of new requirements introduced by way of regulation under existing legislation since the beginning of 2013. These have introduced changes to the vehicle licensing processes, fixed charge penalties and new taxi branding. They form part of an overhaul of the defective regime inherited by the Government informed by the recommendations of the taxi review group established by the Minister at the end of 2011.

The enforcement of pre-existing regulations had previously been hampered by the fact that while the National Transport Authority could appoint individuals for enforcement purposes, it could not engage the services of a firm. This is poised to change under the proposed legislation and will allow the body to delegate some of its functions to third parties or other corporate entities. This will considerably expand the capabilities of the organisation to enforce rules effectively and ensure compliance throughout the taxi industry.

As well as encouraging an improvement in safety and standards, the Bill should see an economic benefit accrue to the majority of compliant taxi drivers, as they will no longer be forced to compete against rogue operators who have been allowed to continue unchecked for far too long. I commend the Minister of State and the work he has done in the two short years he has been in office. He has done more than any other Minister of State to address these difficulties and challenges faced by the industry, and I commend him on this and on bringing the Bill before the House.

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