Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 March 2012
151 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the impact on the livelihoods or investments of many taxi drivers of the proposal contained in the report by the review group on taxi regulation to abolish the market in taxi-plate-only rentals; if he will reconsider the proposal to abolish this sector of the industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/12]
View answer154 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans regarding the review group on taxi regulation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14715/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 154 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the regulation of the taxi sector and is also the lead Agency with responsibility for the implementation of the proposals of the Taxi Regulation Review Report.
I should add that the focus of the Taxi Regulation Review, which I chaired, was to enable the necessary further reforms of the sector, to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced.
The proposal in the Taxi Regulation Review Report to prohibit taxi plate rental in favour of ‘full package' taxi rental is targeted towards a more professional taxi rental sector and will include requirements that the person/entity providing the rental
is tax compliant and of appropriate character;
has responsibility for the condition of the vehicle at the time of rental and can only rent a vehicle in roadworthy condition;
provides insurance on the vehicle for the rental period; and,
must own both the vehicle and the SPSV licence.
As part of the development of this proposal, consideration will be given to introducing a new licence to operate a taxi rental business, without which it would be illegal to rent out taxis.
