asked the Minister for Local Government when the commission set up by his Department in April, 1969, to review the operation of taxi services in Dublin will be in a position to publish its report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Taxi Services.
23.
The preparation of the report of the informal committee representative of my Department, the Garda Síochána and local authorities, which I set up in 1969 to assemble facts relating to the operation of taxis and hackneys, is at an advanced stage. The committee hopes to present this report to me in the near future.
Would the Minister impress on the committee the urgency of the matter because the number of taxis has doubled within the last five years and there is a very serious danger to the livelihoods of existing taximen? Will the Minister do his best to expedite the report?
I am well aware of the fact that this is an urgent matter. I understand the report is almost ready and I hope to receive it very shortly.
24.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the serious situation which has arisen with respect to the provision of taxi stands in Dublin following the increasing number of taxi licences issued by the licensing authority and the decreasing number of stands; and if he intends to make any recommendation to Dublin Corporation on this matter.
The appointment of stands for public service vehicles in the Dublin taximeter area is a matter for the commissioner of the Garda Síochána, under section 84 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. The commissioner does this by way of bye-laws which he makes with my consent and after consultation with the local authority.
While I know that the number of taxis licensed has increased I am not aware that there has been a decrease in the parking accommodation provided for taxis at appointed stands. I understand that the informal committee which I have set up to assemble the facts relating to the operation of taxis and hackneys will include in their report information about the accommodation for taxis at stands in the Dublin taximeter area. When the committee reports to me I shall be in a better position to decide what action, if any, I should take in the matter.