Finian McGrath
Question:709. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 8% of all full-time taxi-drivers have to claim social welfare benefits. [23799/13]
View answerTuesday, 21 May 2013
Questions (709, 710)
Finian McGrath
Question:710. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on taxi drivers double-jobbing and working long hours, and the impact on public safety. [23800/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 709 and 710 together.
The Deputy raised these issues when I introduced the Taxi Regulation Bill, 2012, in Dail Eireann last Thursday. The position is that any person can apply for an SPSV drivers licence and, subject to passing the necessary licensing requirements including vetting by Garda Síochána, can be licensed to operate a small public service vehicle.
The provisions of the Taxi Regulation Bill will support the protection and safety of passengers, taxi drivers and other road users against the risks of driver fatigue. Section 11 of the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 places an obligation on an applicant for or holder of an SPSV licence to inform the National Transport Authority (NTA) of any other occupation that involves driving. Under Section 19 of the Bill the NTA is provided with powers to make regulations concerning taxi drivers' hours.
However, this is a complex legal area and it is my intention that the Bill puts in place a provision that is balanced and proportionate having regard to the rights of individuals relating to privacy and to earn a livelihood. Taking account of legal advice which suggests that there are legal difficulties in applying restrictive measures in this area I intend bringing a further amendment to the Bill.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report, arrangements have been put in place for the sharing of data on small public service vehicles licences and drivers with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection. This is intended to combat tax and social welfare fraud by dishonest operators in the business.
I do not have information on the number of taxi drivers availing of social welfare benefits.