Taxi Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2011

Thursday, 8 December 2011

Questions (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139)

Frank Feighan

Question:

132 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the recommendations of the taxi review group will be completed and made public. [39372/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

133 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the form that the consultation process with external parties of the taxi review group has taken; if he will give details of the parties who made submissions; if he will give further details of those who have been consulted; and the way these people/organisations were chosen. [39373/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

134 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he responded to and acknowledged all submissions in relation to the taxi review group. [39374/11]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.

In response to a Programme for Government 2011 commitment, I announced the terms of reference for a review of taxi regulation and the membership of the Steering Group on 8 and 24 June 2011, respectively. In my view, the diverse membership of the Review Steering Group has enabled an appropriate contribution from stakeholders, including dispatch operators, drivers, consumers as well as the regulatory and enforcement agencies.

Also on 24 June 2011, I invited all interested parties to make written submissions on the review by 5 August 2011. Some 159 submissions were received and the Steering Group is most appreciative of the range and variety of views received from individuals and organisations. Following consideration by the Steering Group of the submissions received, consultation meetings were held with key stakeholder groups to allow the review steering group to explore further the range of views from industry and consumer representatives - a process that has proved beneficial. I would expect to submit the final report of the Steering Group on the review for Cabinet consideration at an early date.

Frank Feighan

Question:

135 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licensed taxi drivers operating in County Dublin. [39375/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

136 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licensed taxi drivers operating in County Cork. [39376/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

137 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licensed taxi drivers operating in County Limerick. [39377/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

138 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licensed taxi drivers operating in County Waterford. [39378/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

139 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licensed taxi drivers operating in Athlone. [39379/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

140 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licensed taxi drivers operating here. [39382/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 to 140, inclusive, together.

Statistics relating to SPSV licences, are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), who regulate the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector. I have referred the Deputy's request for information to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.