Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider calls for representation on the taxi review group of independent and self-employed taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20114/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In my announcements of the 8th and 24th June respectively I have clarified the terms of reference and the membership of the Taxi Regulation Review Group, 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 would just point out that there is a self-employed, full-time taxi driver on the Steering Group. In my view, the wide ranging membership of the Review Steering Group will allow an appropriate contribution from stakeholders, including dispatch operators, drivers, consumers as well as the regulatory and enforcement agencies. I should add that the consultation on the review extends to all interested parties and stakeholders through an invitation for written submissions to be made before the end of July.