Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator Browne in welcoming the Minister to the House and welcoming this Bill.

We are all aware of the reasons for this Bill. It is primarily a response to the deregulation that took place in the public service vehicle sector some time ago. Deregulation was not, as Senator Browne indicates, the chosen response of the Government at the time. It was based on the outcome of a High Court case and was clearly introduced with a degree of haste, over which the Government had no control. I am delighted that the Bill has now reached the stage where it is about to be implemented and that many of the provisions have been well thought out and recognised as being what is required by the industry.

The difficulty that existed with the old taxi system was that it was effectively a closed shop. That was adequate on a qualitative basis, as there was an element of self regulation. In the deregulated environment, a greater number of participants are coming into the business, leading to greater difficulties in regulating the sector and demonstrating a necessity for this Bill.

We all see the huge benefits that deregulation has brought. There is an influx of drivers who, from their own perspective, are able to carve out a living for themselves. More importantly, from the travelling public's perspective, there is a greater number of taxis at all times in the day, and at night in particular. We all remember the difficulties getting a taxi a few years ago, not just at peak periods or special occasions but almost every night of the week, particularly in the large cities. It also presented difficulties for young people travelling in the evening. Parents were concerned when children were out at night, wondering how they would get home. This Bill brings about a necessary control which the entire sector, including the travelling public, needs.

My experience of the deregulated environment has been positive. Perhaps there is a vested interest here, as some of the people who have been discomfited by deregulation are seeking to brand the new entrants into the market negatively. That is unfair and needs to be addressed.

There needs to be greater control in ensuring that there is a level of service for people with disabilities and ensuring the quality of cars is maintained. Statistics are being bandied about to suggest that standards have slipped. That is not the case. Greater competition in other areas of the market has led to a better level of service and quality. That is also happening in the taxi business.