Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

A degree of common sense is required. The number of points is appropriate. Some groups thought it was too much. The reason the National Transport Authority responded to the letter in that manner is that it cannot be absolute prior to the Bill being passed through the House. I would not expect any other national organisation to write such a letter in a different way.

The demerit system took a long time to devise. It is designed to be proportionate. The demerits went through a filtration process and there was much consultation with drivers.

It should not be and will not be easy to get eight demerits. A proportionate and commonsense approach will have to be applied to this. It should not be an issue for full-time taxi drivers. I meet many of them all the time and note that they always adhere to the rules and regulations. They are always compliant. The measure will not affect them.

Let me make a point to show that we do listen. The issue raised by the Deputy Dessie Ellis on ranks has been addressed as regards demerits. I actually listened to the case made and addressed the matter because the point was legitimate. I have written to local authorities and met local authority representatives across the country. I have said to county managers that we need more taxi ranks and space and that we need to be using loading bays and vacant spaces available. I have made this point continually. As members all know, local authorities have difficulty in finding space in cities. Owing to representations made to me, I listened and we made changes. Members were probably not made aware of this. We made the changes in accordance with the demerits.

The NTA will act in a very proportionate manner in this matter. It needs a degree of flexibility because, as was said previously by a Deputy, there are some drivers who need to be dealt with. There are some who obtained licences under an old regime and I do not know how they got them. I have got into cars, particularly in Dublin, and could not understand how the drivers could have licences. There was a lack of regulation, but the drivers have licences and one cannot exactly take them off them now. It is virtually impossible as the licences are legally held. Obviously, through some process involving a lack of regulation, the licenses were obtained. We need a process for dealing with the drivers in question through this Bill. I am intent on dealing with those who are not providing a proper service in the industry. This legislation is a way of doing this and I ask the Deputies for their support.

See this speech in context