Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 24, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following:“Regulation of Rickshaws

31. The Taxi Regulation Act 2013, is amended in section 20, by the insertion of the following subsection:

“(5) (a) The Authority may make regulations, to be known as nonmotorised passenger transport regulations, in relation to the operation of non-motorised passenger transporters in towns and cities.

(b) ‘non-motorised passenger transporters’ means hackney carriage or rickshaw propelled by pedal cycle, pedal tricycle, horse, pedestrian or other such non-motorised means.”.”.

This amendment relates to rickshaws. Currently, there is no legislation covering rickshaws. The rickshaw operators are essentially classed as cyclists, yet they carry passengers and work on a commercial basis. Consider that for a moment. Taxi drivers and bus drivers are taxed, insured, licensed and regulated, but the rickshaw operators both carry passengers and work on a commercial basis in the absence of legislation or regulation. They are not obliged to be registered. The authorities have no idea how many rickshaws are operating as there is no register. It is a massive road safety issue in so far as the operator has no insurance or insurance for the passengers they carry. If there is an accident involving a rickshaw and passengers are seriously injured, the rickshaw operator has no insurance to cover whatever damage is caused. There is huge risk for the passengers, as well as other road safety issues.

In fairness, I raised this matter with the Minister early last July and he said he was examining the introduction of legislation. He also said the NTA was getting legal advice on it. I do not know whether the Minister or the NTA is dragging their heels on the matter but it appears to be taking a long time, given that huge problems are caused by rickshaws. There were reports recently in some local media, although I do not know to what extent they are accurate, that some rickshaw operators were dealing in drugs and using the rickshaws as a means of getting drugs across the city. What would put that idea into their heads? It is the absence of legislation. Every day they get on their rickshaws and operate from one end of the city to the other carrying passengers, knowing that nobody is taking a blind bit of notice of them and certainly not the authorities or regulators. If it is the case that they are involved in drug dealing and are using the rickshaws to get drugs across the city, it is because they have had a free hand. They are allowed to operate at will as there is no legislation.

I am sure the Minister will vote against the amendment, but its inclusion in the Bill would allow the NTA to regulate. I cannot see a reason for the Minister opposing it when its acceptance would provide an opportunity to the NTA to regulate rickshaws.

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