asked the Minister for Local Government if he has any plans for the improvement of the taxi service in Dublin and the conditions of the men employed in this business.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Taxi Service.
53.
I have had under review the statutory provisions of the Road Traffic Acts in relation to the operation of small public service vehicles. Following a recent meeting with representatives of the taxi operators, I made amending Regulations in connection with the fixing of fares. I informed the taximen on that occasion that I would consult them again in relation to certain other issues which are under consideration.
In view of the massive increase in the price of petrol which the Government imposed around Christmas, is there any possibility of a decision on the taxi drivers' request and has the Minister anything to say regarding the booking fee which is now in operation?
Deputy Lemass said he was not a member of Dublin Corporation so he is not aware of what is going on. The taxi men apparently do not want an increase in fares. If they do all they have to do is apply to the Prices Advisory Body in the normal way. Dublin Corporation do not come into it now. I recently, at their request, revoked that regulation. They can go straight to the Prices Advisory Body. Before this Dublin Corporation had to approve of it; a sub-committee of the Corporation had to approve of it and it went round in circles for months. They are now free to do whatever they want about fares and so far they have done nothing.
Is the Minister aware that some taxi companies insist on a booking fee of 20p?
Obviously, one should engage a taxi in respect of which no booking charge is made.
The difficulty is that it is not always possible to get one of those.