Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 538: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the procedure and the basis on which the three taxi representatives were selected on the taxi review group; and if all registered taxi drivers were given the opportunity to participate in the selection process. [20873/11]

Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 548: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in relation to the independent taxi review group that was recently established, he will clarify the appointment process involved; the manner in which persons were appointed to the review; and the reason they were appointed. [21400/11]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 538 and 548 together.

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 aim of the review is to 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. The review 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.

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.

Leading up to the review, I spent considerable time consulting with the various taxi representative groups and listening to their views. It is my belief that the representation in the taxi sector is too fragmented, which neither suits policy makers or taxi drivers themselves. If there was evidence of consolidation of taxi driver organisations into one constituted organisation, I may look at membership of the review group again.

I should add that the consultation on the review extends to all interested parties and stakeholders through an invitation for written submissions. To facilitate respondents, the date for acceptance of submissions has been extended to the 5th August 2011.