Taxi Regulations

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Questions (602)

Finian McGrath

Question:

602. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Taxi Regulation Act 2013; when it will be reviewed; his plans to deal with taxi driver safety following recent assaults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27860/14]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Statutory Instrument No. 163 of 2014 completed the commencement of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 in April this year with the exception of section 49. The National Transport Authority (NTA) also introduced new small public service vehicle (SPSV) regulations on 7 April which introduced new measures provided for under the Act as well as consolidating and replacing the existing SPSV regulations.

I commenced the review of the taxi industry in June 2011 in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government. The review addressed a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector, including regulatory policy and practices, licensing systems, enforcement and future dialogue with the taxi sector. The consultation on the review extended to all interested parties and there was an appropriate contribution from stakeholders, including dispatch operators, drivers, consumers and the regulatory and enforcement agencies.

The regulation of the SPSV sector is a matter for the NTA under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013. I have no plans to undertake any further review of the sector at this time.

The recent spate of carjackings, including taxi carjackings, is a very concerning development. The matter is to be raised at the next Ministerial Road Safety Committee meeting. I have also asked the NTA to conduct a consultation process around driver safety, as committed to in the Taxi Regulation Review.