John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Taxi Regulation Bill. Fianna Fáil supports the majority of the provisions of the Bill but we will introduce amendments on Committee Stage in areas about which we have concerns. The Taxi Regulation Bill is certainly welcome. The most recent Act dates from 2003 and ten years on, this is a useful opportunity to examine what is needed to meet the needs of the taxi industry in modern Ireland. The taxi industry has changed dramatically over the past ten years and we have had deregulation. Most taxis operate in large urban centres throughout the country, but recently there has been an increase in taxi services provided in smaller towns, including in towns in my constituency such as Wexford town. A very valuable service is provided for the local communities.

Deregulation was a catch-22 situation. The public had been shouting for deregulation and more taxis to be made available so people could get a taxi by clicking their fingers, but the taxi industry has suffered because we probably have too many taxis. The Indecon report stated we have an overcapacity of taxis of approximately 20%. According to the Taxi Alliance of Ireland, we have 5,000 illegal taxis in the country, and the Minister of State must tackle this. It is not good enough to have people operating outside of the taxi laws. It seems to be a major problem for genuine and legitimate taxi operators.

I welcome the strengthening of the commitment to impose a regime which excludes persons convicted of certain categories of offences from being taxi drivers. It is very important that people travelling in a taxi have the confidence that whoever is driving it is of the highest calibre and that they are not subject to any fear whatsoever. Most of my taxi use is in Dublin, and the majority of taxi drivers are top quality. They are genuine, friendly and very helpful. However we also have rogue taxi operators who want to charge the last penny. In some instances they do not have a clue where they are going and in other cases they take a person on the longest route to the airport or to wherever one is travelling and charge one accordingly.

Genuine taxi drivers in Dublin and other large cities are part and parcel of what we are. Some people would say the best people to describe how one is doing politically are taxi drivers because they usually know how one's party or government is doing at any particular time. I remember travelling in a taxi prior to the last general election and the driver was able to tell me the game was up for fine for Fianna Fáil. I am sure it is the same for every other politician who travels in a taxi. The drivers can tell one how people feel. I advise the Minister of State to travel in a taxi-----

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