Vol. 561 No. 1
448 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to introduce a single taxi regulator; if this requires fresh legislation; if he can establish it by order on an interim non-statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3624/03]
On 19 November 2002 the Government approved the establishment of the Office of the National Taxi Regulator and a Taxi Advisory Commission, initially on a non-statutory basis, pending the development of legislative proposals. The preparation of the necessary legislation is proceeding as a matter of urgency in my Department and I expect to be in a position to submit the heads of a Bill to Government soon. I also expect that recruitment of a regulator and associated administrative staff will proceed shortly, following discussions with the Department of Finance. I am also examining proposals for interim measures to ensure that issues relating to standards and implementation of the findings of the taxi hardship panel are addressed in advance of the appointment of a full time regulator.
449 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the terms on which compensation is being paid to taxi drivers who suffered hardship as a result of the deregulation of taxi plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3625/03]
On 17 December 2002 the Government approved the implementation on a phased basis of the recommendations of the taxi hardship panel in accordance with An Agreed Programme for Government. Any payments to be made as a result of this implementation will not represent compensation but rather compassionate payments in respect of extreme personal financial hardship arising from the liberalisation of the taxi market. The design and administration of a scheme to implement the recommendations of the panel will be carried out by the Office of the National Taxi Regulator as this will ensure that applications are dealt with on a confidential and objective basis.
The regulator, when appointed, will be in charge of the determination of criteria and conditions for the making of payments, having regard to the categorisation and specific recommendations identified in the report of the panel. The regulator will also invite applications and determine appropriate levels of payments within the amounts determined to be appropriate in the report. In pursuing this task, it is envisaged that the regulator will consult with relevant Government Departments and agencies.
Question No. 450 answered with Question No. 447.
