Brian Stanley
Question:65. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to help taxi drivers source credit for upgrades to their vehicles in the interest of public safety. [45130/12]
View answerThursday, 18 October 2012
Questions (65)
Written answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, and is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report. The recommendations contained in the Taxi Regulation Review Report, including those relating to improving vehicle standards, reflect the agreement of the Review Group following an extensive consultation process involving the taxi industry and the public at large. The thrust of the reforms outlined in the Review Report will mean better services for consumers and improvements to the operating environment for taxi drivers generally. Any compliance burden impact will be offset by the benefits to taxi operators and to consumers of a better regulated and safer taxi sector.
The Group did not make any proposals relating to measures to help taxi drivers source credit for upgrades to vehicles. However the review group proposed, following a consultation process with the sector by the NTA, to allow vehicles licensed before 2009 to ply their trade for up to fourteen years subject to a twice yearly NCT test. This will allow some time for vehicle owners and drivers to adjust to the new regime.