Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Transport the qualifications and requirements for those who drive taxis, but who are not the owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7546/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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All persons who drive taxis, wheelchair accessible taxis, hackneys and limousines, including those who also hold licences in respect of the operation of such vehicles, must hold a small public service vehicle driver licence. The grant of those licences is currently the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. Licences are granted for a five-year period and applicants must have a current driving licence without endorsement/penalty points, have a tax clearance certificate issued by Revenue, give a statement showing the nature of employment during the previous three years and give a specific undertaking in writing in relation to driving hours. An applicant must also satisfy the Gardaí that s/he is a fit and proper person to hold a licence and has not been convicted of an offence that would render him/her unsuitable to hold such a licence, has adequate knowledge of general traffic regulations, the area where services are being made available and the regulations relating to small public service vehicles. The processing of individual driver licence applications and decisions on such applications are matters for the Gardaí.