Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Reference was made to the Goodbody report. I am assured no legal advice would call on the commission to do something which it was not empowered to do or which it would be illegal for it to do. It would be very surprising if advice were given along those lines. As a Dublin person, I walked along the N11 many nights in the bad old days and agree that nobody wants to go back. I am sure some Senators also had that experience.

One can consider this issue in the light of whether there are too many taxis or whether there are too few customers. It says much about Senator Ryan's outlook that he thinks there are too many taxis. Many consider there are not enough customers and that the question is how to provide more. There is a regulation on the maximum fare that can be charged but there is no minimum fare. Taxi drivers could charge various rates and perhaps consider a Michael O'Leary approach to try to increase volume to create business and activity. Certain taxi drivers are beginning to see the benefit of working together and are offering discounts, improving standards and providing additional services. This is the way to go. There are no limits on other parts of the economy, for instance, the number of hauliers carrying goods. Senator O'Malley made the point that it was psychologically irritating for other drivers to see so many empty taxis and I agree with her. However, one must consider the number of carpenters, architects and, as Senator O'Donovan stated, solicitors who are out of work and the order books that are empty. Quality is the way to go and various business models must be examined. We have not limited entry into other sections of the economy and it would be wrong to do so. I am disinclined to accept the amendment.