asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if, in view of the gross over-charging by a small number of taxi drivers of tourists who arrive at Dublin Airport, he will strongly request Aer Rianta to erect clearly illuminated public notice boards at the taxi pick-up points at Dublin Airport showing the average standard fare to the rail stations, boat piers and the main hotels in the north side, city centre and south side of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Taxi Charges.
9.
I am not satisfied that the particular suggestion made by the Deputy would be effective. The display of notices setting out sample fares was in fact tried by Aer Rianta at Dublin Airport some years ago but did not prove successful. The actual fares chargeable for particular journeys are affected by a number of variable factors, for example, delays due to congestion, the number of passengers, the number of pieces of luggage, and so on. It was, therefore, difficult to reconcile the sample fares displayed with the actual fares chargeable in particular cases, and the notices were accordingly removed.
While the majority of the taxi-men serving Dublin Airport do so in a responsible manner there may be, as in other service areas, a minority who from time to time take advantage of unwary visitors. I am asking Aer Rianta to have a fresh look at the position to see what feasible and practicable steps can be taken to minimise the danger of overcharging.
I thank the Minister for his approach to this question. I want particularly to impress upon him that I have received complaints from a number of tourists travelling from standard points, say a husband, wife and two pieces of baggage, travelling from the airport to Kingsbridge or Heuston Station, from the airport to Busaras or from the airport direct to Dún Laoghaire pier. A standard taxi fare, plus a charge for baggage or for travelling in the evening, should be clearly signposted by Aer Rianta. Some cowboys—and there are very few of them—have acted disgracefully at Dublin Airport in recent months.
The Deputy will agree that I have gone some way to meet him. I pointed out that I am asking Aer Rianta to have a fresh look at this, and I will ask them to take into consideration the points made by the Deputy.