Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank contributors to the debate, which was useful and important. The protest yesterday, along with a number of opportunities during debates in the House yesterday where the issue of taxi drivers was raised, and this debate have brought a focus on the sector. I again commend the four representative groups that organised yesterday's protest and the thousands of taxi drivers who attended. It provided the opportunity for discussion. I thank those speakers who have given voice to the sector, to individual drivers and to how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected it in a very particular way.

I acknowledge the contributions that reflected the impact this is having on mental health and on drivers' sense of themselves and of their contribution to society, the economy and communities more generally. Very valid points were raised and it was very important that we had the debate, but it does not end here. It is important to acknowledge the Government's recognition that taxi drivers are an essential part of the public transport system, the clarification on the matter of high-quality bus corridors and bus lanes, and the acknowledgement that there is a problem with the funding streams available for sectors that have been especially adversely affected by Covid-19, as well as the specific issues relating to taxi drivers.

I turn to the Government's countermotion, which is completely unsatisfactory. It outlines what has happened to date. There would not have been thousands of protestors on the streets yesterday if what had happened to date had been satisfactory or sufficient, and that needs to be recognised and acknowledged. On specific issues such as the nine-year rule, it was a "No" from the Minister of State, with the matter to remain under review.

On the issue of the taxi advisory committee, it is completely unsatisfactory to say the vacancies will be filled. That does not acknowledge that the taxi advisory committee does not have the confidence of ordinary taxi drivers. It is to miss the whole point of the argument. Taxi drivers are knocking on the door and saying, "Please listen to what we have to say and please acknowledge our concerns." The Government, however, is saying a committee will do that and that it will fill the couple of vacant places. It should ask itself why there are vacant places on the committee. It is because it does not have the confidence of ordinary taxi drivers.

On the issue of a licence moratorium, there was a "No" from the Government. That needs to be addressed and acknowledged as a potential solution and a reality for the sector. It is not good enough to say nobody is really applying for licences anyway. The Government needs to get ahead of that.

I congratulate the Minister of State on his role at the Department of Finance, but the primary issue is financial and relates to sector-specific supports. It is reflective of others, such as the arts and events industries, which other Deputies mentioned. The taxi industry is a case in point, and these sectors need full support from the Government.

This will be an ongoing issue. It will not go away until it is addressed. As a number of speakers noted, taxi drivers are ready to go again. Sinn Féin will keep the matter on the agenda.

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