Taxi Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2012

Thursday, 15 November 2012

Questions (257)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

257. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed by taxi drivers at the consequences of changes in regulation that are having the effect of forcing drivers to sell their licenses at a loss; if in view of the fact that taxi drivers are suffering as a consequence of our current economic difficulties and are not in a position to work as drivers but are waiting for a pick up in the trade in the future, he will consider allowing some flexibility into the process to allow for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50624/12]

Written answers

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

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 within the target time periods specified in the Report. 

I understand that the National Transport Authority has already given advance notice to the industry concerning the implementation of a number of measures arising from the Review. In particular, advance notice has been given for the implementation of the prohibition on the transfer of small public service vehicle (SPSV) licences. This measure reflects the Review Group view that a licence should determine a person’s suitability to carry out a function and it should not have monetary value or be traded on the open market.

The implementation of the prohibition on SPSV licence transfer will be subject to the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 which is to be published by year-end.  The date of enactment will be dependent on the deliberations of the Oireachtas.