Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
1423 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider measures to assist taxi drivers in view of the impact that the increase in fuel prices is having on their livelihoods; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the price of petrol has doubled since the taxi fare was last set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18794/12]
View answerAs part of the Taxi Regulation Review an economic analysis of the taxi market was undertaken, which included an analysis of taxi prices. The International comparison of taxi prices suggests that prices for taxis appear to be somewhat above average in Ireland relative to other countries. However, the conclusion of the analysis was that fares in Ireland are very similar to what one would expect given the levels of wages, employment and population density. The Review Group concluded that the guiding principles that have influenced recent price reviews by the National Transport Authority continue to be a valid basis for achieving an appropriate balance between the interests of taxi drivers and consumers. The National Maximum Taxi Fare is reviewed every two years and is due to be reviewed by the National Transport Authority again later this year. In line with the conclusions of the Review Group on Taxi Regulation, the benchmarking of taxi prices in other jurisdictions will be included in the analysis carried out for the 2012 taxi fare review.
1424 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a rural hackney service; the details of such plans; when he expects that this service should be open or made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18839/12]
View answerThe rural hackney licence is one of a range of actions proposed in the Taxi Regulation Review Report which has been approved by Government and published last January. The proposal aims to facilitate low cost entry to the market for transport provision in rural areas that, otherwise, would be unlikely to have such services. The rural hackney licence was proposed as a medium-term measure, to be further developed this year for implementation post-2012. The regulation of the taxi industry is a matter in the first instance for the (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The NTA is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report, including the proposal for a rural hackney licence. I understand that the NTA is currently working on progressing this recommendation in accordance with the timeframe of the Taxi Regulation Review Report.
