David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Bill. The Minister of State in his opening remarks described it as a defining year for the taxi industry. It may be; it is certainly about time. It has been a complete and absolute mess and a large part of that mess comes from the Government and regulators.

I remember speaking in this House on the question of the nine-year rule where taxi drivers were forced to get rid of their cars after nine years which made a farce of the national car test. The test applied to the interior and the condition of the vehicles. What is the point of having these things when one can certify the car is perfectly roadworthy and wonderfully maintained and yet simply because of the year one must get rid of it? It was a nonsense. Taxi drivers were badly caught and I know for a fact that some of them got rid of them, bought new cars at huge disadvantage and, due to pressure from this House among other sources, that was rescinded. That is very unfair and shows a lack of consultation.

To a very large extent I am on the side of taxi drivers, the vast majority of whom are decent, hardworking people who have been dealt with in an incoherent way.

I refer to the "scenic route" observation which, although it is a kind of urban myth, also occurs in every jurisdiction. I have experienced it in India and the United States but not, so far, in this country, rather the reverse, where I have taken the opportunity to advise the taxi driver about the shortest way. On a map I was right but the journey took twice as long because I had not taken into account the existence of taxi lanes. However, the driver did what I asked him. I am aware also of the very unreasonable attitude taken by a small proportion of the public towards taxi drivers whereby they take a taxi for a journey of less than half a mile and cause the driver to lose position in the rank. A number of us spoke about suicide this morning. I have had to draw the attention of the House to the very high proportion of suicides among taxi people. It is a crucifying situation at present in terms of costs and the downturn. We must keep this human aspect in our perspective.

I refer to the question of demerits and the removal of certain categories of person from the taxi service. Certainly this should apply in cases of convictions of a serious criminal nature and I applaud the Minister of State 100% on this measure. I consider it outrageous that people who are guilty of armed robbery, murder, serious drug offences and rape should be allowed to drive a taxi. I do not give a damn about double jeopardy or anything else. It is absolutely essential to protect people. There was a horrible rape case recently. If we are serious about it we must address this matter and hit the nail completely.

I hope there will be a universally applicable knowledge test. Like my colleagues I have had some experiences, and will end with one. I took a taxi from Leinster House, wishing to go to North Great Georges Street. The driver did not know where it was and began to drive me to South Great Georges Street, near Aungier Street. I told him the street was on the other side of the river. He said, "What river?" I said, "What planet? I am legging it out of this car", and did so. Many of these people, judging by their accent or skin tone, appear to be new Irish. I have also had very good experiences with people who fall into that category. It is a disservice to the new Irish not to have a universally applicable requirement. That would register with people, especially those who say they would not get into a taxi driven by an eastern European or a Nigerian. That is wrong but it is our responsibility to ensure drivers are qualified.