Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their comments. These provisions are designed to ensure that a standard will be established and that licences will have no value. I am sure everyone agrees that the scenarios which existed in this area in the past were completely ridiculous. The provisions in question will ensure that applications for licences will be judged on the basis of the suitability of the individuals involved. The amendments in this group will ensure that the provision will apply to companies as well as individual licence holders. The latter comprise the majority of those who possess taxi licences and concerns were expressed with regard to the existence of a loophole in respect of companies. Those concerns have been addressed.

We engaged in a fairly detailed discussion with the associations that represent taxi drivers - particularly the taxi committee - and they argued, quite convincingly, that upon death there should be an exemption with regard to the transfer of licences. I accepted their argument but I am not willing to put in place further exemptions. This is a regulatory process and taxi drivers should be obliged to undergo that process and an inspection in order to obtain their licences in the first instance. Any additional exemptions would affect the rigidity of the system. While I take on board what Senator O'Neill says - others have made the same point previously - unfortunately I am not in a position to make a change in this regard.