Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I stated previously I am in favour of technological solutions that can assist in providing a better customer service. However, global positioning systems cannot provide a basis for lessening the standard of area knowledge required under the driver skills testing. This may happen over time as GPS technology improves the standard of reliability and effectiveness. In regard to amendment No. 16, I acknowledge that GPS might well play a role where SPSV drivers ask to provide a service to a destination outside of an area in respect of which he or she has passed an area knowledge test. However, I am not convinced there is a case for statutory provision requiring knowledge of global positioning systems. I am not technophobic. In fact, I am probably the most pro technology person in government and a graduate who has a masters in technology. One may wish to check that out before making such statements.

I am surprised at the attitude in relation to this issue. I have had personal experience of taxis using satellite navigation who could not take me to my destination. The systems may be 90% accurate but they are not foolproof. Given that a service is being provided for which one must pay one's hard earned cash, the person behind the wheel of the vehicle should be able to take a person to his or her destination and should have an area knowledge that meets that requirement. In some cases it can be supplemented by a piece of technology such as this. Unfortunately it is a requirement and I stand over the need for it. I am surprised at the way in which the amendment is being pressed because common sense would suggest that a driver behind the wheel of a vehicle who has to take a person to his or her destination as quickly and as cheaply as possible, which satellite navigation does not necessarily guarantee, would know that is not foolproof and one cannot use the system to get around everywhere. If one used satellite navigation on a regular basis one would be aware of that.