Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I cannot agree to amendment No. 9, which seeks to amend section 7(4), which allows the NTA to make regulations setting different requirements and conditions with regard to different categories and classes of vehicle, small public service vehicles, drivers and licences, and, under paragraphs (b) and (c), for different circumstances and different areas of the State, respectively. Paragraph (b) enables the NTA to make regulations, if needed, to deal with items such as drivers operating in the voluntary sector or other such circumstances. Paragraph (c) enables the NTA to make regulations for the area of restrictions that currently exist with regard to standing or plying for hire.

A number of Senators spoke on this when we met to discuss this previously, so I am trying to remember and cover some of their comments. Many Senators are correct that this flexibility is required for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is that we are looking at provisions relating to different hackney licenses for rural Ireland. This provision will allow that flexibility. I am aware there is market failure in some parts of the country. Where I come from, in Tipperary, there are virtually no taxis. We need to look at what licensing arrangements we can make so that we can deal with the social issues that exist as a result of isolation and the lack of transport facilities that can be availed of by people living in urban areas. This is a legitimate and worthwhile move and people will appreciate it. This is the reason we need this flexibility.

A number of Senators have raised the issue of the areas to which taxi licences apply. There is an issue in this regard, and I note Senator Barrett has figures on this. We must take into consideration the conurbations that exist in Ireland and whether they are part of the greater Dublin area, Cork, or another area. Many people operating in Dublin do not live in Dublin. Probably we need some filtration done on the figures. We also need flexibility when it comes to distinguishing between limousines, taxis, hackneys and so on.

The Senator should appreciate the spirit of the legislation. From an area point of view, we need to ensure those driving taxis are knowledgeable about the area in which they operate. That is the reason we need different licensing for different areas. If somebody drives a taxi in Tipperary, Cork or Dublin, that driver must know how to get the passenger to his destination. A sat-nav system does not always do the business. I am always worried when I get into a taxi and the taxi driver is relying on the sat-nav to get me to my destination. I had an experience in Dublin a few months ago in which I got into three taxis, one after the other, but the drivers did not know where I wanted to go. That is unacceptable.

I hope Senators will accept this legislation in the spirit in which it is meant and accept that the flexibility allowed under this section is there for a reason.