Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The conviction of taxi driver Raymond Shorten for the rape of two young women and one young child is shocking. This serial predator faces sentencing later this month, which is a matter for the courts. The case has caused significant public revulsion and alarm. Women get taxis at night not just to get home, but to get home safely without having to worry about being attacked. The notion that there could be any prospect of a taxi driver either having convictions for sexual violence or facing trial for such offences is therefore the stuff of nightmares. As the Taoiseach will know, An Garda Síochána regulates taxi driver licences and has the power to revoke licences in certain circumstances. The question I and many other women have is whether those powers are strong enough. Are licences suspended before conviction if taxi drivers are charged with sexual offences? Are licences revoked when drivers are convicted of sexual offences other than rape? Tomorrow, the Dáil will debate the Social Democrats' motion. The Government has said it is not opposing it. Does that mean taxi regulations are now being reviewed?

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