Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are elements we need to regulate in transport, and there are others which would be a waste of time to regulate and will probably be overtaken by technology. I do not want to press the point. I am concerned about the priority of whoever drew up the Bill which designated a fine of ¤50,000 for telephoning for a taxi other than through somebody who got a licence from the Minister to do so. It is "licenceitis" gone out of control. I will withdraw the amendment because I am sure the Minister of State has many other interesting things to say. As is the case in other parts of the Bill this indicates a lack of perspective. The track record of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is if it moves try to stop it moving and if people set up in business try to stop them, and I am afraid it shines through in this section just as well. I cannot imagine anything less worthy of attracting a fine of ¤50,000 than booking a taxi by telephone through somebody of whom the Minister did not approve.