asked the Minister for Local Government if he will alter the regulations governing public service vehicles, particularly SI No. 200 of 1970, which are at present causing confusion and hardship to the owners of such vehicles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - PSV Regulations.
8.
I am not aware that the position is as suggested in the Deputy's question. If he has specific issues in mind and puts down a question in relation to them, I will deal with it.
The Minister was kind enough to write to me recently in regard to a specific problem of this nature and indicated that it was under review. I am disappointed to hear that he is unaware of the situation now. Is he aware that as the present regulations stand one man can have a car six years old which he can licence for £1.50 while his neighbour, who may be in the same business, has to provide a vehicle under two years old and his licence costs £30? Does the Minister not think that this is unconstitutional and requires his urgent attention?
There is no licence for £1.50 but there is a licence for £3. The question of £30 was introduced by one of my predecessors, a colleague of the Deputy, a few years ago for a specific reason. I understand that was done at the time in an effort to control the number of cars coming in. There was no provision made for review of this matter and so far it has not been reviewed.
I am aware that this arose during the Dublin Taximen's Association dispute. Does the Minister consider that this is creating hardship and a certain amount of trouble in many areas and would he consider having the situation rectified? Would he be in a position to have that done this year?
I could not give the Deputy a direct answer because at present a number of matters concerning taxis are under consideration. It is quite a big problem but I can assure the Deputy that the whole matter is under active consideration. In addition to fees, a number of other matters are referred to in Statutory Instrument No. 200 of 1970 which the taximen themselves would not be very happy to have changed.
If I bring a specific matter in an individual case to the Minister's notice, would he pursue it?
If he would call to my office at any time I should be glad to do so.