Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand the reason for this amendment, but it is unnecessary. The Oireachtas committees have already the power to invite any person to appear before them. I cannot accept the amendment.

It is the function of the Taxi Advisory Committee to give advice to the National Transport Authority and to the Minister. The NTA is the deciding authority on matters relating to the regulation of the SPSV sector, having considered the advice of the Taxi Advisory Committee. The NTA is accountable to the Oireachtas under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. As there is already adequate provision in statute in this regard, it is neither appropriate nor necessary to make a further such provision in this Bill. As I stated at Committee Stage, the committee is free to invite in the members of the advisory committee, including its chairperson, at any point in time.

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