Given the protests by members of the taxi industry in the streets of Dublin in recent weeks, it is obvious that this legislation is long overdue. I am glad, therefore, that the Minister has responded by finally bringing this Bill forward to address the protestors' concerns. Fundamental to this issue is section 6 of the Bill, which sets out the appointment of a national taxi regulator as chairperson of the independent commission for taxi regulation. This appointment is welcome given the deterioration of many elements of the industry, which up to now has been overseen by a regulator who has lacked statutory powers.