Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the proposer of the motion. I met the taxi drivers yesterday, who were on the streets in their thousands. They are dignified and decent people who just want to make a living, but they have been abandoned by this Government, like many other sectors, especially the people over 66. They have been totally thrown to the wolves. They have not got a shilling from anyone.

Years ago, a person could not get it taxi licence. There was huge lobbying then to loosen up the situation and the regulation was lifted. There are too many taxis now. They came out like confetti at a wedding and it has flooded the market. This Covid-19 crisis, however, has really threatened to undermine them. Remember, all of them have wives, families and parents as well and some are trying to support them despite the hours they have to work. At times, they are subject to disquieting treatment by occasional members of the public who abuse and threaten them and God knows what else. They have a high-risk job. They have now had to kit out their vehicles with Perspex shielding and disinfectant and do that a couple of times a day. It is a huge onus on them but the Government is not listening.

I should have said in at the first instance that I wish the Minister of State well in his new role. I know he is an understanding man and he will try to make some movement here. However, we cannot keep talking about it. These people cannot keep waiting. They are disappearing. They have loans and they must replace their cars every ten years, get them tested twice yearly and get the taxi test as well. It is an onerous and responsible job and insurance is also difficult. They need to be supported. They cannot wait for the crumbs from the table. They are not even getting the crumbs from the table now, especially those who are over 66.

It is amazing that number of people could turn up last night and not even get a mention on the news channel. It is reserved for the likes of Deputy Alan Kelly who did not tell us first about the adjournment of the Dáil. He told us about it coming back, that he had made a phone call to the Taoiseach, and he claimed he was responsible. That is what he told people in County Tipperary today. Bryan Dobson had better watch out because if Deputy Kelly does badly in the next election, he will be straight into the RTÉ studio for the "Six One News". That is what he will be doing. It is farcical of RTÉ, which has a duty to cover protests like this and, indeed, the protest last Saturday. People can complain about it but they are entitled to protest. We are threatening now to bring in legislation to stop it.

RTÉ, the channel for which we pay a licence, has a duty to cover this but it is not doing so and it is shameful. It has Deputy Alan Kelly for breakfast, dinner and supper. Gabhaim buíochas.

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