Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 475: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding the taxi regulation review. [19607/11]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The regulation of the taxi industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. With regard to specific matters such as vehicle standards and other matters relating to the existing regulatory system, I have arranged for the Deputy's correspondence to be forwarded to the NTA for direct reply. If the Deputy does not hear back from the NTA within ten working days, will he please contact my private office.

Last month I announced the terms of reference of the Taxi Regulation Review, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The review will enable the necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced. It will address a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector including the current regulatory policy and practices, licensing systems, enforcement and future dialogue with the taxi sector. I should add that the consultation on the review extends to all interested parties and stakeholders through an invitation for written submission to be made by 27 July 2011.