Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Transport the work undertaken to date by the interim taxi regulator; and the programme of planned work by that regulator over the next 12 months. [4569/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Pending the drafting and enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and as a transitional measure, an interim chairman of the commission for taxi regulation was appointed in February 2003 to undertake a series of consultations with those involved in the taxi, hackney and limousine industry, local authorities, the Garda Síochána, and other relevant groups. The interim chairman's remit was to explore their views on the future operation of services, with a particular focus on qualitative issues, including standards for vehicles, drivers and entry into the industry. This process was completed in September 2003.

Following the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 in July 2003 which provides for the establishment of the commission for taxi regulation, a recruitment competition for the post of commissioner for taxi regulation was held by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission. However, the commission was unable to recommend a candidate for appointment. A further recruitment competition on the basis of an enhanced salary for the position is under way, with the post being advertised in the national newspapers last week.

I have, however, made an order under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 to provide for the establishment of an advisory council to the commission for taxi regulation with effect from 4 November 2003. The primary function of the council is to advise the commission and me as Minister, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers. Pending the establishment of the commission, I have indicated that I am particularly interested in the advice of the council on issues relating to quality enhancement and standards for small public service vehicles and their drivers, including general vehicle condition and appearance, accessibility for persons with mobility and sensory difficulties, a standard vehicle colour for taxis and the introduction of enhanced training, including customer service training and disability awareness, and knowledge requirements for existing and new small public service vehicle drivers.