Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 3

Written Answers. - Taxi Licences.

Ivor Callely

Question:

173 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress that has been made in the process of dialogue and the Minister's willingness to work with taxi service providers to develop further quality improvements for taxi services as referred to in response to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 12 December 2000; the number of meetings he has held since December 2000 with the representatives of the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

Discussions regarding the new taxi regime have taken place between my Department and taxi interests on some five occasions in 2001 to date. My Department remains accessible for further meetings, as necessary.

I have indicated that 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 for the benefit of both the service providers and the general public alike in the medium term. My Department intends to finalise a consultation document in the near future and will invite comment on this from a range of stakeholders, including taxi service providers.