Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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567. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the issue of rural hackneys as detailed in action 46 of the taxi review report and his Department's plans have been discussed by the taxi advisory group; and if not when it will be discussed. [33112/13]

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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568. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a new plan for rural hackneys as detailed in action 46 of the taxi review report; and the advice he has sought on this new plan from experts and stakeholders. [33113/13]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 568 together.

The aim of the rural hackney licence, as proposed under Action 46 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011,  is to facilitate the low cost entry to the hackney market for transport provision in rural areas that, otherwise, would be unlikely to have such services. The licensing requirement would be based on certain specified criteria in particular the validation of transport needs in the area of operation.

The recommendations of the Taxi Review Group were informed by the economic analysis of the independent consultants,  Indecon, which concluded that there should be a different regulatory approach for rural areas focusing on ways of assisting entry into rural markets where there is a shortage of supply. The Taxi Review Group itself comprised of representatives of the taxi Industry and consumers, representing the concerns and interests of urban and rural communities.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009, and is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report. The NTA has prepared a proposal for the introduction of the local area hackney licence which is currently being considered by the Taxi Advisory Committee. I have forwarded your Question to the NTA for direct reply. If you do not receive a response within 10 working days, please notify my private Office.