Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 5

Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

225 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the new meter system for taxis is to be introduced; the precise composition of the new system; the specifications of the system; the timetable which will be prescribed for the conversion from punts to euros; the stipulations or regulations which will be introduced to protect consumers against overcharging on the conversion of fare rates to euros and in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23364/01]

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

Measures to assist and facilitate taxi operators in relation to the introduction of euro fares are being identified and progressed under the auspices of a committee established under the chairmanship of the Department of the Environment and Local Government. All of the State bodies involved, including my Department, are represented on this committee. An information pack developed as a result of the deliberations of the committee will be made available to all taxi operators in good time prior to the changeover date.

It is an offence for any taxi driver to charge a fare which does not comply with the maximum fare structure applying in the taximeter area in which the taxi is licensed to operate. Enforcement of this and other offences under the Public Service Vehicles Regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána.