I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 to 233, inclusive, together.
The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues related to taxi rental and the areas of operation of taxis, is a matter in the first instance for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for a direct response. If he does not receive a response within ten working days, he should notify my private office.
Concerning the enforcement of SPSV regulations generally, Action 24 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011 deals with strengthened collaboration between An Garda Síochána and the NTA and, among other things, envisages the introduction of Fixed Charge Penalties to improve enforcement. Action 21 states that a range of SPSV fixed charge penalties, which are currently administered by the NTA enforcement officers, will be extended to the Garda Síochána.