Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1036: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the taxi sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22998/11]

Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1071: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend the legislation for hackney and taxi licence holders to provide information to the Revenue Commissioners in relation to all licences being operated by them to establish whether they are operating them directly; if not, who is, their PPS number and public service vehicle driver's licence number. [23702/11]

Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1072: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend the legislation in order that people who have not used their public service vehicle licence in the past 12 months would have their licence put into abeyance in order that a new licence could be issued to someone currently trying to get work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23703/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1036, 1071 and 1072 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 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.

The issues raised in the above questions are particularly relevant to specific work being undertaken to strengthen licensing systems and enforcement so that we have a licensing regime that can be readily enforced to protect the interest of consumers. Good progress is being made in exploring how current system weaknesses can be tackled as regards safeguarding the good repute and suitability, including tax compliance, of SPSV driver or vehicle licence holders. I am confident that the review will lead to a positive outcome in those key areas.