Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

It is relevant. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Transport to come before this House in the September session to discuss the serious position regarding the number of taxi plates issued throughout the country. There are 27,429 taxis operating currently and this morning at Heuston Station, 45 taxis were lined up. Three passengers came off the train. In Dublin city, there are 14,000 taxis while there were 2,722 before regulation. In London, there are approximately 21,000 taxis and in New York approximately 12,000. That puts things in context.

Taxi drivers are having a tough time at present. The business is far too competitive. Taxis must line up, with not enough space to park. Outside Heuston Station there is not enough space for taxis to park. It must be soul destroying to sit in a taxi all day waiting for a fare and be completely undermined by the regulations.