Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 4

Written Answers. - Regulation of Taxis and Hackneys.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

53 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment the rules laid down by his Department regulating taxis and hackneys; the different regime for both; if he is considering elaborating further on these rules in view of the recent conflict between taxi drivers and hackney drivers in Dublin; whether further legislation is being considered to govern these matters and to make additional provision for the enforcement of the rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17106/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1995, provide for the control and operation of taxis and hackneys generally. The regulations assign specific functions to taxis, allowing them to be available for immediate hire on the street or through means of radio-telephone contact in the vehicle. Hackneys are specifically prohibited from exercising the functions of taxis in relation to immediate hire.

I have no proposal, at this stage, to amend the regulations under which all significant functions have now been devolved to local authorities. Enforcement continues to be a matter for the Garda.