Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

The Deputy and I are on the one page. Complication in a system can create a lot of paperwork and problems, and it can create little by way of results. We need to have a serious look at how we are doing the business here. We must ensure we are not displacing existing taxi services, as the Deputy said. They must also make a living. It is a case of going back to first principles and seeing where the demand is, seeing where exactly we can make it work, and rotate it around having a number of drivers available for a car.

We must also bring in community involvement and community groups. This is important. People's lifestyles and the way they socialise in rural areas has changed. The pub trade has changed. We will have to take all of this in the round. I know of people who would like to get a taxi at certain times during the day or night. They certainly will not get them at night but they may get them during the day. There is an issue there. This is a matter we will go back to following this debate. I will speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and to the officials about this issue and we will see where we can bring it. As I have said, the idea is to provide a service that is workable and uncomplicated because this is what works best. I thank the Deputy.

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