Vol. 563 No. 1
163 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the terms of reference for the recently appointed interim taxi regulator; when the regulator will be appointed on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7117/03]
175 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport his plans to make changes to the regulations regarding the issuing of taxi licences to prevent wealthy individuals from acquiring taxi licences simply to allow them to use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7118/03]
I propose to take Question Nos. 163 and 175 together.
Recently an interim chairman of the commission for taxi regulation, Mr. Jimmy Farrelly, was appointed. He has been asked to carry out a consultation process with the taxi, hackney and limousine industry, local authorities, the Garda Síochána and other interest groups with a view to assessing and addressing issues relating to standards in the industry in advance of the appointment of a statutory commission.
I have indicated that I am prepared to act on any recommendations proposed by Mr. Farrelly, for urgent changes to the current regulations on standards, following this consultation. He has also been asked to advise on the appropriate procedures to be used to implement the findings of the taxi hardship panel.
The preparation of the necessary legislation to support the establishment of the commission for taxi regulation is proceeding as a matter of urgency in my Department. In addition, the post of chairman is the subject of consultation with the Department of Finance.
The granting of a taxi licence is currently subject to the vehicle being passed by the national car testing service, having adequate insurance and the payment of a fee. A person may not drive a taxi unless he or she has been issued with a licence to drive a small public service vehicle by the Garda.
Taxis, as an on-street immediate hire service, are only allowed access to with-flow bus lanes when they are being used in the course of business.
Recently I requested officials in my Department to examine the reported issuing of taxi licences to business concerns or individuals for their own private use and not for the provision of a service for the benefit of the general public, as well as the existing legislation and regulations to establish the exact position in law.
