Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 5

Written Answers. - Public Service Vehicle Licences.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

102 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment the reason the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána has the power under regulations from his Department to decide not to grant licences to drive small public service vehicles when in his opinion a person is not engaged in any occupation which is likely to impair his efficiency, conflict with his responsibilities or to be incompatible with his employment as a driver of small public service vehicles; the meaning and intent of this regulation: and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6789/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1993 provide that, where an application for the grant of a licence to drive small public service vehicles is duly made, the Garda Commissioner shall grant the licence if satisfied, inter alia, that the applicant is not engaged in any occupation which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is likely to impair efficiency or to conflict with responsibilities, or to be incompatible with employment, as a driver of small public service vehicles. This provision is intended to ensure the availability-ability of the person to provide a service as a driver of a small public service vehicle.