asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that Mr. Patrick Tierney, of 54 Foster Place, Ballybough, earned his living as a cabman and then as a taxi driver for over the last 30 years, and has no other means of livelihood; that this man's means of livelihood has been taken away from him because of the allegation that knowingly he drove some persons to the Phoenix Park races and to Shelbourne Park; whether the Minister is aware that Mr. Tierney denies that he had knowledge of the object of the journeys; and if he will say whether he is prepared, in order that the man may be able to support his family, to restore the licence with any suitable warning that may be thought necessary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Taxicab Licence.
I am aware that Patrick Tierney, 54 Foster Terrace, Dublin, was the registered owner of a small public service vehicle Z.A. 7539, and that the permit issued to him in respect of this vehicle was revoked on the 22nd August, 1942, on the grounds that the vehicle was used for the carriage of passengers to Phoenix Park Races on the 18th July, 1942, and to Shelbourne Park Greyhound Racing Track on the 12th August, 1942. An explanation of the use of the vehicle on these occasions was received from Mr. Tierney, but considered in conjunction with his attitude in interviews with officials of my Department it could not be regarded as satisfactory. Provided that Mr. Tierney is prepared to give an undertaking to co-operate with my Department in the proper use of his motor vehicle I am prepared to restore his permit.