Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I am sure that both he and members of the Opposition are envious of this visionary legislation proposed by the Fianna Fáil-led Government. There has been an improvement in the taxi service because of the public debate and the demand that taxi drivers be more personable and treat passengers as customers. I noticed a difference when I used a taxi to travel from Dublin Airport to my home last week. I had an impeccable service in an impeccable vehicle, even though it was an old Mercedes.

Three weeks ago I travelled to attend a conference in Duhallow, County Cork. The only way of getting from Mallow railway station to Duhallow Park Hotel was by taxi. A taxi was booked to meet me at the station. The trip to the hotel only took about 12 minutes and there was no traffic on the road. To my horror, I was charged €22.50 for the journey. I can honestly say that for the first time in my life I had encountered extortion. It was totally unjust and the ultimate in extortion. People at the conference were also appalled at the charge. While there has been an improvement, there is a long way to go. The key will be monitoring implementation of the provisions of the Bill.

We are all aware of the research and surveys conducted of delivery of service to the customer. The needs of those who are handicapped have been highlighted this week. I commend and compliment the Minister for Transport and his Department on the fact that the needs of the handicapped will be looked after and that taxi drivers will be trained to be aware of their needs. He said he would like to see the delivery of the best taxi service in the world. If he keeps going in the same manner as to date, he will succeed.