Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.
Richard Bruton
Question:
620
Mr. R. Bruton
asked the
Minister for Transport
the policy objectives which he has set for the interim taxi regulator; if he has satisfied himself that there is a sufficiently stable environment for taxi drivers to make an investment in high standard vehicles and for customers to be confident that service will be available at all hours of the day; if he has set target dates for the achievement of different objectives in relation to the taxi business; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15586/03]
Denis Naughten
Question:
629
Mr. Naughten
asked the
Minister for Transport
when he intends to introduce a knowledge test for taxi drivers; the timescale for the introduction of a statutory regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15860/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 629 together.
The licensing and operation of public service vehicles, including taxis, are currently governed by the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002, which are made under the Road Traffic Acts. Under these regulations all applicants for licences to drive small public service vehicles, that is, taxis, hackneys and limousines, must satisfy the Garda Commissioner that they are a fit and proper person to hold a licence and that they have an adequate knowledge of general traffic regulations, the regulations relating to public service vehicles and the area in which they propose to make services available as a driver of a small public service vehicle.
An Agreed Programme for Government sets out commitments in relation to taxi services, including the appointment of a regulator for the future regulation of licensing, standards and the quality of service. On 19 November 2002 the Government approved proposals for the establishment, initially on a non-statutory basis, of an office of national taxi regulator. Subject to the enactment of legislation, it is envisaged that the office of the taxi regulator will have a national focus and will have full effective control over the promotion of a professional, efficient and customer friendly service by all small public service vehicles, including taxis, hackneys and limousines. This will include the overall development and application of standards for drivers, licence holders and vehicles.
The preparation of the necessary legislation to support the establishment of a commission for taxi regulation is proceeding as a matter of urgency in my Department and I am bringing detailed proposals in this regard to Government today. While the necessary legislative changes are being prepared, the appointment of a chairman of the commission is being progressed independently so that the office can be operational on a non-statutory basis. As an interim measure, I have also appointed an interim chairman of the commission, Mr. Jimmy Farrelly, pending the recruitment of a statutory chairman. Mr. Farrelly has commenced a series of detailed consultations with those involved in 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. 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 proposed following this consultation.
Separate proposals are also being progressed to establish an advisory council, consisting of representatives of the industry, local authorities, the Garda Síochána, consumer, disability, tourism and business interests, and other relevant sectors, to advise the commission for taxi regulation and the Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.
Since the liberalisation of entry to the taxi industry in November 2000, the numbers of licensed taxis nationally have almost trebled. This increased availability has enhanced the service available to customers. The developments outlined will, in time, lead to new regulatory provisions which, I am confident, will further enhance the quality and standards of the services provided. The precise timing of substantive revisions to the regulatory regime will fall to be determined by the commission for taxi regulation.
