Vol. 532 No. 1
255 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in spite of the issuing of new licences, queues for taxis continue on our streets: his views on whether this problem is due, at least in part, to the fact that the closing times in our major cities coincide, leaving too many people for too few taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/01]
The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations, 2000, establish a revised regime for taxi licensing. The regulations do not place or authorise any restriction on the numbers of new taxi licences which shall be granted by local licensing authorities, and revoke all earlier restrictions of this kind. I look forward to a rapid improvement of taxi services under the new arrangements. In addition, it is intended to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, of disabled persons and of taxi service providers to develop further quality improvements for taxi services in the medium term.
With regard to pub licensing hours, this is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and the hours are set out in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000. In this regard, I understand that the closing hours of licensed premises have never been staggered and there is no proposal to change the system.
