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Taxi Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Questions (665, 666, 667, 668, 672)

Regina Doherty

Question:

665. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason behind the different licensing procedures for limousines registered before and after 1 January 1980; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6558/14]

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Regina Doherty

Question:

666. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the event or research that prompted his Department's changes to licensing for pre-1980 limousine owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6561/14]

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Regina Doherty

Question:

667. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the purpose or intent of the engineer's inspection report required by limousine owners to be taken annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6562/14]

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Regina Doherty

Question:

668. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licensed limousine owners who use non-PSV licensed drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6563/14]

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Regina Doherty

Question:

672. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the unlicensed operators within the limousines and wedding car industry; and the resources allocated to this issue within the regulators office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 665 to 668, inclusive, and 672 together.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry, including enforcement and vehicle standards, under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. The NTA is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011, including the new regulatory requirement for 6-monthly renewal and assessment of older vehicles.  

The Taxi Regulation Review, 2011, encompassed a wide range of issues including licensing, vehicle standards and enforcement, the current regulatory policy and practices and future dialogue with the taxi sector. The 6 monthly testing and renewal assessment requirement for vehicles older than 10 years was introduced to promote vehicle standards that improve passenger and road safety.  

Many of the key recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review, 2011, relate to enforcement and compliance matters, involving both 'on-street' and 'off-street' enforcement. These recommendations have been given legislative effect through the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 which was signed into law on 23rd October 2013. The Act will be commenced in the coming months when regulations to be made under the Act are finalised.  

The Taxi Regulation Act 2013 provides for a range of offences for contravention of the provisions of the Act and regulations made thereunder, as well as a suite of enforcement measures. The Act will enable An Garda Síochána to issue fixed payment notices in respect of an increased range of offences.   

In addition, under the Act the enforcement capacity of the NTA may be enhanced through service agreements.  

 'Off-street' enforcement and co-operation arrangements have been put in place for data sharing on SPSV licences and drivers involving the key enforcement agencies of An Garda Síochána, NTA, Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners.  

I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply. If you do not receive a response within ten working days please notify my private office.

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