Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank all Senators who contributed to a thoughtful and thought-provoking debate. The Bill will have a direct impact on those who operate small public service vehicles and those who use such services. The services provided by taxis, hackneys and limousines are a vital element in the overall public transport options available to the public. These services are uniquely placed to meet the transport demands of those whose needs cannot be addressed by the more general public transport services. Small public service vehicles have an important role in providing mobility for people in areas where there are no other public transport services.