asked the Minister for Local Government if he will publish the names and addresses of all the persons to whom he proposes to issue taxi licences during the month of June.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Taxi and Hackney Licences.
22.
As such licences are not granted by me but by the Commissioner of the Garda Sóchána, the question of my publishing information along the lines suggested by the Deputy does not arise.
When the taxi men were making a protest, the Minister for Local Government said he intended to suspend the issue of licences after the month of June. Why he decided not to suspend them forthwith I cannot understand. I thought it would be interesting to see the list of people who are getting licences in the month of June. How can the Parliamentary Secretary reconcile the Minister's statement at that time with his answer to this question?
I am not aware of the Minister's statement.
The Minister stated it openly in the House and surely the Parliamentary Secretary should be aware of what his Minister said. Is there responsibility or is there not?
That is Deputy Lemass's interpretation.
That is my interpretation and I heard the Minister.
I questioned the Minister on this matter before. He explained his rights and his responsibilities. He stated positively—and it was published in all the papers—that he intends to suspend the issue of licences after the end of the month of June. Has the Minister responsibility or has he not? He said he had.
He can issue licences to his pals.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the Minister's official policy in this respect?
Deputy Lynch should wait for the answer to Question No. 23.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary answering for the Minister or is he answering for himself, or what is he doing?
Thar cheann an Aire.
On a point of procedure, Sir, may I ask can the Parliamentary Secretary disown his Minister's own statement about two weeks ago?
I said I was not aware of it.
The Chair is not responsible for the answers of Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries.
You, Sir, are the only means of communication from me to the Parliamentary Secretary and, therefore, I am obliged to address the question to you.
If the Deputy is not satisfied with the answer, there will be other opportunities of airing the grievance.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I think we should raise the matter on the Adjournment.
Is the Deputy intimating that he wishes to do so?
Yes.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy on the matter.
23.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has any plans to limit the number of taxi and hackney plates.
I have no power to limit the number of taxi and hackney licences which may be issued. Such limitation could only be operated if amending legislation were enacted.
While the Minister indicated something similar to me he also said he had the power to suspend the issue of licences. Is this true or is it not?
I said I was not aware of the Minister's statement.
The subject matter of Questions Nos. 22 and 23 might be included together on the Adjournment debate if it is allowed.
I will communicate with the Deputy on the matter.