Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I cannot agree to amendments Nos. 32 and 33. The specific provision under section 17 to which the amendments refer enables the National Transport Authority to make regulations concerning the standard of conduct, general behaviour, deportment or dress of persons operating small public service vehicles. This is a restatement and clarification of the existing provision under section 34(6) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, providing that the authority can specify conditions and requirements of small public service vehicle drivers concerning their dress code. The provisions of section 17 are necessary measures to promote standards of professionalism in the industry and for this reason, I cannot accept the amendments. As with all of the powers conferred on the National Transport Authority, it is incumbent on the authority to ensure this power is exercised in a reasonable and fair manner.

The National Transport Authority worked closely with Fáilte Ireland to produce a course for taxi drivers on the basis that they are the first point of contact for people arriving through the various airports. A number of taxi drivers have willingly participated in this course. While the provision is needed, the National Transport Authority must also act in a reasonable manner in enforcing it.