Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)

I want to highlight the need for more to be done to ensure we have a functioning taxi network across the country. In recent years we have seen a reduction in the number of taxis available to people. Studies by Arup have shown that the number of taxis available has shrunk by 10% since 2014. That means in my area of Wexford, people who go out in the evening to a restaurant, the cinema or a bar and who have a drink or a meal are not able to access taxis. A reduction of 22% is evident in the number of taxi licences available in Wexford since 2020. The Taxis for Ireland Coalition is calling for a task force to be set up within the Department of Transport to urgently look at the need for more to be done in this area. I support that call. Will the Leader to ensure that the Minister for Transport comes into this Chamber to discuss the shortage of taxis? This does not just affect the night-time economy; it also has an impact on medical appointments for people who are unable to drive and who must access urgent hospital appointments. Such people rely on a functioning taxi network to be able to make such appointments.

Wexford is one of 23 counties which has seen fewer taxi licences available since 2020. I want to highlight that and support the call made by the coalition to which I refer, which is made up of a number of groups including the Restaurants Association of Ireland, the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Bolt and Uber. Will the Minister come to this House and make a statement on what work is being done in this area?