Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the Department of Justice or An Gárda Siochána to discuss the enforcement of taxi regulations and to aid in the crackdown on illegal drivers, cloned licences and other such offences. [57239/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I met with the Garda Commissioner as recently as last month on the matter of enforcement. To enforce the taxi regulations, including pursuit of the offences mentioned in the Deputy’s question, the role of the Garda Síochána is critical to support the work of the enforcement officers of the National Transport Authority, NTA, who have responsibility for nationwide enforcement in this regard.

Action 24 of the taxi regulation review report proposes strengthening the collaboration between the Garda and the NTA to secure effective on-street enforcement of taxi regulations and refocus the compliance activities of the NTA towards a greater level of off-street compliance and enforcement. In addition, it is recognised that the Garda will require and receive support from the NTA in targeting and co-ordinating aspects of enforcement activity. It will also require support from other agencies.

 There has been very good co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the NTA on enforcement issues this year and a substantial number of joint operations have been undertaken. The NTA is currently drafting an enforcement plan for 2013 which will be co-ordinated with the Garda Síochána's policing plan for 2013. This will assist with continued co-operation during 2013.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Aside from the significant oversupply in the taxi industry, a number of people are operating illegal taxis, whether by using bogus licences or driving vehicles without proper certification. Action 31 of the taxi regulation review report proposes that all taxis be fitted with branding. It will be necessary to include in any such signage quick response or QR codes and possibly a sign indicating the county of origin of the vehicle. While I am not in favour of the Border, vehicles are travelling across the Border to pick up fares. If the county of origin of a taxi was clearly marked on taxi signage, it would help identify taxis entering areas from outside. I am not sure what is the position on this issue and I ask the Minister of State for his views on it.

More inspections are needed and I welcome the increased role of the National Transport Authority and the Garda Síochána in this area. In addition, the space is available for taxi ranks is not sufficient. Greater monitoring and enforcement of the regulations are required at the ranks.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I thank Deputy Ellis for his contribution. I note from previous contributions he has made and conversations I have had with him that he has a strong interest in the issue of taxis. The taxi Bill to be introduced in the Seanad early in the new year is the most comprehensive legislation on taxis in the history of the State. I hope everyone will support the Bill as it offers the only way forward for the taxi industry. It addresses every aspect of the taxi sector and empowers the National Transport Authority to implement and enforce taxi regulations.

I concur with many of the points Deputy Ellis makes. Enforcement is critical. Last year, 3,000 vehicles were inspected, a substantial number by any standards. However, further improvements can be made, which is the reason we are empowering the Garda to increase the number of inspections it carries out and impose on-the-spot fines. It will also be possible to suspend a taxi driver's licence where there is repeat offending.

I fully agree with the Deputy on the need to empower the National Transport Authority to use other monitoring tools at ranks, including CCTV. Serious issues, including criminality, arise at taxi ranks and must be addressed.

The Deputy makes a good point on door signage, which is crucial. It was the taxi regulation review group, rather than me, which decided that signage was necessary. Its recommendation was put to the taxi committee, which consists of taxi drivers, and it decided on the form the signage should take. We must examine the possibility of using roof signage to ensure drivers operate only in the areas in which they are licensed to operate. I am sick and tired of hearing stories of large numbers of taxis from outside the area arriving at major events such as the Galway Races or the Cork Jazz Festival to make a quick buck by taking the revenue of full-time local drivers. Action will be taken on this issue.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I remind Deputies that when a Minister concludes a reply four minutes remain for supplementary questions and ministerial replies. For this reason, I will let Deputies know when they have three or two minutes left.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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It is coming up to Christmas and we are all feeling flaithiúlach.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I will not feel flaithiúlach until my job is done.