Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

For this reason, I propose that the subsection should not be invoked. According to the record, the number of complaints has been decreasing and the level of criminality was seriously exaggerated by those making the case. There was an example of same last week. It is not an industry inhabited by social welfare frauds, tax dodgers or people with dodgy vehicles. In fact, it is a quite well behaved industry. In the speech given to the world conference on transport in Lisbon, Portugal, on 13 July 2010, Ms Kathleen Doyle, the previous regulator, pointed out that the number of prosecutions and complaints had been decreasing.

The Garda is doing a good job. The incumbents are trying to build up a head of steam behind the argument that new entrants will be illegal or, as we have heard, from the "wrong" country. This sector properly resides with An Garda Síochána. The evidence is that it has been doing a good job. The industry has often expressed its confidence in the Garda. In this regard, the Garda has helped the industry to grow from 4,000 or 5,000 vehicles to 27,000 vehicles without a significant increase in criminality. This is to the credit of the Garda Síochána. I ask the House to reconsider allowing the Minister to ever make an order to the effect that the Garda is no longer the licensing authority for this part of the economy. Gardaí know the people and will know whether fears about criminality are justified. I have confidence in them, for which reason section 6(3) should not proceed.