Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider measures to assist taxi drivers in view of the impact that the increase in fuel prices is having on their livelihoods; if he will alleviate concerns regarding recent reports that a reduction in fares is to be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51197/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, and is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report.

Overall the thrust of the reforms arising from the Taxi Review in 2011, will mean better services for consumers and improvements to the operating environment for taxi drivers generally.  The Review Group did not make any proposals concerning measures for financial assistance to taxi drivers.

As part of the Taxi Regulation Review in 2011, the independent consultants, Indecon, evaluated the fares for taxi services in Ireland and concluded that taxi prices appeared above average in Ireland relative to other countries, but broadly similar to what would be expected given wages levels, employment and population density.

A review of taxi fares is carried out every two years by the NTA and information about the consultation on the current fare review is available on the NTA website. The proposal is to seek to simplify the overall fare structure and to provide an approximate 3.6% to 4% increase in the maximum allowable fares. The fare review consultation will run until Monday the 3rd of December 2012.