asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of anxiety and disquiet among taxi owners in Dublin city as to how their livelihood may be affected adversely by EEC regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Taxi Owners.
12.
I am not so aware. I have received no representations on this matter from taxi interests.
Would the Minister accept that in Taxi News of February, 1977, there is specific reference to taxi operators having sought information in regard to these regulations but having failed to receive it? They are concerned in regard to various matters such as pick-up charges and so on.
I am not on their mailing list, and I have not seen the document to which the Deputy is referring. Neither am I aware that the taxi operators have sought the information concerned.
Would the Minister be prepared to accept a statement in the editorial of this publication to the effect that the taxi owners have been endeavouring to ascertain this information both from the Department and from the EEC office but that they have failed?
I have never heard of the document to which the Deputy is referring. Consequently, I am not in a position to give an opinion as to whether the statement is authentic, but I will have inquiries made in regard to the matter raised by the Deputy and shall communicate with him subsequently.
This publication is the official journal of the Irish Taxi Federation. The federation have been in touch with the owners in relation to their position consequent on impending EEC regulations.
The federation have been in communication with my Department on numerous occasions but I am not aware of any reference in their letters to EEC regulations. However, I shall have the matter investigated in order to ascertain whether such information has been sought. I should be surprised to learn that they had not received replies to queries raised. Such a situation would be most unusual.
Even Homer nods.
I agree.