Rebecca Moynihan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I sympathise with the colleagues and friends of Jo Cox, whose sixth anniversary is today. A quote from Jo Cox before she was tragically and brutally murdered by a fascist was, “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.” We all know and understand that whipping up fear and hate in a political context can lead to tragic consequences. On the sixth anniversary of her death, when the British Government is trying to do something very similar to distract from parties during lockdown, it is important that we remember her.

I want to raise a very important issue that is affecting a number of people in Dublin city, which is the lack of taxis at night-time and in the evening. It is estimated there are 20% fewer taxis on the road and reports are coming back of people being unable to get taxis at night when walking home in very dangerous conditions, with women walking home by themselves because they have not been able to get access to taxis at night-time. Taxis are an essential part of our public transport and public service infrastructure. At the time of the fuel crisis, we gave hauliers €100 per week to help with fuel costs under the emergency support scheme for hauliers. We have no scheme in place for the rising costs associated with driving taxis to the extent that we see many people leaving the industry. This is having a knock-on effect on our nightlife within Dublin city. I would also like to see the extension of 24-hour buses and bus routes. In lieu of that, taxis are an essential public service for people getting home safely at night. It is reaching crisis point. Something is going to happen to somebody in the evening or the night-time because of the lack of taxis on our roads. I call for an emergency debate to see what the Government can do to financially support taxi drivers coming back into operation with their taxis, thereby ensuring that people are able to get home safely in the evening.