Brendan Howlin
Question:3 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will amend the taxi and hackney regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13885/98]
Priority Questions. - Taxi Regulations.
The scope and operation of the regulations relating to taxis and hackneys is kept under regular review by the Department.
The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 1995 established a comprehensive revised framework for the licensing and operation of taxis and hackneys, on the basis of a substantial devolution of policy and control franchises to local authorities. More recent amendments have changed certain criteria for the assessment of applications for new taxi and wheelchair accessible taxi licences and amplified and clarified the specification for wheelchair accessible taxis.
Following concerns recently expressed in the Dáil and Seanad, my Department will consult the Garda Commissioner and trade interests on the need to amend a provision of the public service regulations requiring applicants for PSV driver licences to undertake that their driving services will be available for at least 40 hours in each week. I intend to determine this issue shortly and to address other aspects of PSV regulation as the need arises.
The Faber report analysed the provision of taxis and hackneys nationwide and recommended deregulated entry into the market within a ten year period. It also recommended a number of other comprehensive changes. Has the Minister reflected on the report and does he favour deregulation? Is he in favour of the other changes proposed or is he satisfied with the current provision of taxis, particularly in Dublin?
I have not studied the Faber report in detail. I am aware of its recommendations but the issue of taxi licenses is now a devolved function. The Dublin Taxi Forum and the local authorities in Dublin have not endorsed the report yet and it would be premature of me to make any views known at this stage. I should allow consideration of the report by the relevant authorities to continue.
I am surprised the Minister does not have a view on the report or on the simple issue of whether there are sufficient taxis in Dublin. The mechanism to address that issue is open to debate but the Minister could address the net point.
It is not open to debate. It is a matter for local authorities.
The regulations are ultimately a matter for the Minister. Deregulation would require a change in the law, which is not a matter for the local authorities.
Welcome to the world of deregulation.
I do not advocate deregulation because I do not believe it is the correct course of action.
Deputy Stagg takes a different view.
However, there are not enough taxis in Dublin and the mechanism to deal with that should be outlined by the Minister. It has not been to date but I hope it will be in due course.
With regard to public service vehicle drivers' licences, the Minister will be aware that a number of people, particularly in rural areas, are currently deprived of such licences because of rigid interpretation of long existing regulations. I urge the Minister to make a decision on this matter. Perhaps he will give the timeframe for the decision now. It would give comfort to people to know that the decision will be made within a certain period. Currently they are unable to carry on their part-time businesses because licences that were available heretofore are now being refused.
I cannot give a strict timetable on this matter because a number of consultations, particularly with the Garda Síochána, are ongoing. I understand the points the Deputy made, particularly on rural areas. That problem needs to be addressed and I will do so as sympathetically as possible.