Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ellis would be the very person to come into the House to criticise regulations if they did not play a role in reducing the illegal use of vehicles within the taxi industry. He made the assertion a moment ago that the taxi advisory committee is not playing a role in relaying information and consulting with the industry. I invite him to tell that to the unions who are represented on the committee. They will find it very interesting that the Deputy has made that assertion in the Dáil. We have a taxi advisory committee that contains the very bodies and unions that are elected to represent taxi drivers. It is a very large body and its breadth is designed to facilitate organisations to pass feedback to the NTA. If the Deputy feels this is inadequate or if he has an issue with it, I would invite him to talk to the unions on that body who are engaging with the NTA on this and other matters.

In respect of the point the Deputy made about the impact of this signage on vehicles, I accept that it makes clear that vehicles are being used exclusively, or for the most part, as taxis. The very reason this is happening is in response to concerns the taxi industry had about illegal use, the quality of cars and difficulties it was facing in respect of the reputation and the growth of its industry. This regulation is in place to give the taxi industry the regulatory framework and support it needs to grow safely. If it was not in place, Deputy Ellis would come into the House to criticise me for it not being there.

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