Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he has received the report of the taxi review group; when he expects to submit to Cabinet; when he expects to publish the taxi review group findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1522/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I announced the taxi regulation review on 8 June 2011 in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. The review group under my chairmanship completed its report in December last and I have circulated the report to relevant Ministers and their Departments with a view to early consideration of the outcome of the review by the Government. Once the Government has had an opportunity to consider the review, I expect to be in a position to publish it on my Department's website and to outline the Government's response to it.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who made submissions to the review group and who participated in the group. I was heartened by the constructive contributions of the many diverse groups with an interest in the taxi industry. The review considered a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector, including current regulatory policy and practices, licensing systems, enforcement and future dialogue with the taxi sector. I am confident that the recommended measures in the review will enable necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. However, the question remains: when does he expect to be in a position to publish the report? When will he be in a position to bring forward any legislative changes that he desires or that the Cabinet so directs?

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The report has been circulated among the relevant Departments. The committee had its last meeting. Once the Government has considered the report, it will be published. It will then be a priority to address the primary and secondary legislative needs.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State is not in a position at this stage to give an indicative guideline or timeframe.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The indicative timeframe will be in the next month or so.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Prior to its publication I assume it will go back to the committee for consideration.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The committee has completed its work.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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We have not seen the review.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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It has. The final document was signed off by the committee. I chair it so I know it has seen it. The work has been completed and recommendations have been made.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I meant the Oireachtas committee.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Subsequent to it being published it can be considered. I have spoken to the committee Chairman, Deputy Ciarán Lynch, and I already indicated I am willing to go before the committee to discuss it.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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That is fine.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Excellent.