Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Transport when he received the Commission for Taxi Regulator's submission seeking permission to subsidise the taxi industry to encourage greater accessibility in the taxi fleet and if he has received any updates on that position paper from the Commission or the Regulator [39430/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As part of its statutory remit the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for improved access to the transport system and in particular for public passenger transport access for persons with disabilities. In addition, the functions of the CTR will be absorbed into the NTA by the end of the year. I referred the CTR's proposals to the NTA in March 2010 for its consideration and decision. It will be a matter for the NTA to decide on the future approach to incentives for wheelchair accessible taxis in the light of available funding and other priorities as regards supporting enhanced accessibility on bus, rail and taxi services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has considered changing legislation to allow the Taxi Regulator the power to use some of its surplus cash to buy back taxi plates from drivers leaving the industry due to financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39432/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the Commission for Taxi Regulation (CTR) is responsible, under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, for the regulation of the small public service vehicles (SPSV) sector. The Act does not provide the CTR with the power to purchase back taxi licences. I do not propose amending legislation to enable the CTR to have such powers in the future. I understand that all new taxi licences issued by the Commission from 8th June 2010 are non-transferable licences.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has had any communications from the Commission for Taxi Regulation, the Taxi Regulator or Data Protection Commissioner in relation to the personal data, including home address and so on, which members of the public can access on request from the Taxi Regulator; the content of such communication; if he has considered changing the regime to make it similar to the Private Security Services Authority where personal details are only available to the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána and the authority to protect against threats, attacks or otherwise an invasion of the private life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39434/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have received correspondence from the Data Protection Commissioner and the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation (CTR) in relation to information contained in certificates released on request under Section 38(6) of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. Upon payment of a fee, Section 38(6) requires the CTR to issue a certificate relating to information relating to a licence granted, including the name and address of the person who holds the licence.

Both the Data Protection Commissioner and the Taxi Regulator have referred to concerns raised by taxi licence holders and their representatives regarding the provision of personal information, particularly their personal addresses.

With a view to addressing the issues raised in the correspondence, a review of the legislation and administrative arrangements is under way to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.