Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Transport the situation as regards the advisory council established under the Taxi Regulations Act 2003; the number of members on the council; and the number of those who directly represent the interests of taxi drivers and have taxi driving experience. [12268/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation was established under section 54 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 with effect from 4 November 2003. The role of the Council is to advise the Commission for Taxi Regulation and the Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.

The Advisory Council consists of a chairperson and 17 ordinary members, appointed for a three year period, representing the taxi, hackney and limousine industry, local authorities, An Garda Síochána, consumer, disability, tourism and business interests and other relevant sectors, in accordance with the membership structure set out in the 2003 Act.

The term of appointment of the current members of the Advisory Council will expire on 3 November 2009. Five members of the Council were appointed to represent small public service vehicle and driver interests and these include three members who directly represent taxi interests. I understand that five members of the Council have taxi driving experience. There are currently two ordinary member vacancies on the Council.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the taxi regulator negotiates with the unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12270/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Taxi Regulation was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and is the independent public body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles, taxis, hackneys and limousines, and their drivers.

I understand that all Commission proposals for change in the small public service vehicle sector have been the subject of prior publication and extensive public consultation, including specific meetings with taxi representative groups. In addition, the Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, which includes small public service vehicle and driver representation, advises the Commission on issues affecting taxi interests.