I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 38 and 51 together.
The arrangements announced by the Government to ensure a large increase in Dublin taxi numbers provide that one additional taxi or wheelchair accessible taxi licence will be offered to each individual who held a taxi licence in the Dublin taximeter area at the end of 1999, as well as 500 further licences to be granted to applicants under the current points assessment system. Regulations made on 13 January 2000 established an implementation process for these measures and applications were subsequently invited by Dublin Corporation from every person who held, or was entitled to hold, a taxi licence in Dublin as at 31 December 1999.
The regulations provide for the making of an offer to grant a wheelchair accessible taxi licence to each licence holder who expresses a preference for the grant of such a licence and who complies with the requirements of the regulations. All remaining licences, including those to be offered to applicants on the current points assessment system, are to be allocated in accordance with a scheme to be finalised. I am advised by the corporation that over 2,600 applications for an additional taxi licence from existing licence holders have now been received. Applications have not yet been sought for licences to be allocated on the current points assessment system.
I have held a series of meetings with the taxi representative groups about the new arrangements, as well as responding in writing to a number of stated concerns presented to me. Within the process, some taxi representatives have proposed the establishment of a board to oversee taxi affairs generally and have also indicated their concerns about the need to improve taxi fare structures and certain other aspects of taxi regulation in the Dublin taximeter area. I have agreed to take up these issues with the competent Dublin local authorities without prejudice to progressing the increase in taxi licences as determined by the Government.
On 7 February the High Court granted leave to a number of individuals to seek a judicial review in relation to a number of provisions contained in the Public Service Vehicles Regulations. The court has also granted an interim injunction preventing Dublin Corporation and Dundalk Urban District Council from granting certain taxi licences. The resolution of these matters will be pursued urgently in the courts and intervention on my part would not be appropriate at this point. I understand the matter will go before the High Court on 21 March 2000.