Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will change the composition of the advisory council to the Taxi Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17527/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Section 54 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 provides for the establishment of an Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, consisting of an independent chairperson and 17 ordinary members. It provides for the appointment of at least four persons representing small public service vehicle and driver interests, one person each from local authorities and An Garda Síochana, at least two persons representing consumer interests, and at least one person each representing disability, business and tourism interests. The Minister also has power to appoint four persons who have a special interest or expertise in matters relating to the functions of the Commission or the Council. 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 current Advisory Council was appointed in accordance with the membership structure set out in the 2003 Act. Nominations from a range of interests were considered when decisions on the Council's membership were being made. Six members of the Council have a background in the industry. The term of appointment of the current members of the Council will expire on 3 November 2009. There is currently a vacancy for one ordinary member on the Council.

I am satisfied that the current composition of the Advisory Council adequately reflects the representational structure envisaged under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and that there is an appropriate balance between the interests of small public service vehicle owners and drivers on the one hand and the consumer and public interests on the other.