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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 1

Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.

Ivor Callely

Ivor Callely

Ivor Callely

Question:

129 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the meetings he has arranged with groups (details supplied) over the past 12 months; the progress he has made to deal with issues concerning these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31206/01]

Ivor Callely

Ivor Callely

Ivor Callely

Question:

130 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the consultations which have taken place with consumer groups, disabled persons groups and so on, regarding taxi services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31207/01]

Discussions regarding the new taxi licensing regime have taken place between my Department and a range of taxi and other interests on a number of occasions since 21 November 2000 when the new regulatory regime was introduced. These meetings involved representatives of the Irish Taxi Federation and the National Taxi Drivers Union on four occasions. My Department remains available for further meetings, as necessary.
Public service vehicle regulations have been amended to address a number of the issues raised in these discussions. Mitigation measures were introduced in the Finance Act, 2001, and a scheme of taxi licence fee refunds by certain local authorities was also put in place early in 2001.
I have made clear that I am committed to the development of further quality improvements for taxi services for the benefit of both the general public and service providers alike in the medium term and, in that context, I will shortly finalise a consultation document. There has also been detailed consultation between my Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to aspects of the proposed disabilities Bill which are of relevance to the provision of taxi services for disabled persons.
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