asked the Minister for the Environment the steps he proposes to take in relation to a proposed mini-cab business in Limerick city which will destroy the livelihood of many of Limerick's taxi-drivers.
Written Answers. - Limerick Mini-Cab Service.
428.
I am aware from certain newspaper references and from representations from the Irish Taxi Federation of a proposal to introduce a new taxi or mini-cab service in the Limerick area. All public service vehicle operations are subject to the licensing and other requirements of the Public Service Vehicle Regulations, 1963 to 1981, enforcement of which is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Under a determination made by Limerick Corporation, no new taxi licences may be granted at present by the Garda in the Limerick taximeter area. While this restriction does not apply to the granting of hackney licences, the latter remains subject to the usual conditions whereby the Garda must be satisfied as to the suitability of applicants and vehicles. Hackneys may not, of course, engage within a taximeter area in activities such as standing or plying for hire in a public place which is reserved to taxis.
In response to recent representations from the Irish Taxi Federation, my Department have written to the Garda Commissioner asking, inter alia, that strict observance be required of the legal provisions distinguishing these two forms of public service operation.