Hackney Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004

Tuesday, 27 April 2004

Questions (607)

Seymour Crawford

Question:

663 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if it is acceptable that a hackney service running a small minibus can charge persons to their home on a round journey rather than having to do single journeys as seems to be the case under the law; if a minibus can only make one journey, if he has the intention of changing the law in order to make this more realistically costed and practical in rural parts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11741/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Hackneys, as private hire vehicles, are not subject to fare controls under the public service vehicles regulations. In the case of taxis, the fare is generally established at the end of the hire by reference to the taximeter and any other legal charges. However, in the case of hackneys, the fare should be agreed on a private hire basis in advance, as the hire should not involve the vehicle either standing or plying for hire. Accordingly, it is a matter for the person hiring a hackney to agree the fare for a journey in advance, including the manner of its calculation.

Question No. 664 answered with QuestionNo. 648.