andMr. P. J. Burke asked the Minister for Justice if he will ascertain from the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána what further action has been taken against certain radio-controlled hackney firms which are at present describing their cars as taxis, both in cinema advertisements and by canvass cards, in spite of a warning issued to them some time ago by the Gardaí.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio-controlled Hackney Cars.
I am informed that the firm to which the Garda Síochána issued the warning took steps to withdraw all advertisements, business cards, etc., which described their cars as taxis and that the description is not now being used. The firm was unable to secure an immediate change in cinema advertisements but these advertisements, too, have been corrected for some time.
andMr. P. J. Burke asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that certain radio-controlled hackneys are being used as street service vehicles in contravention of Section 133 of the Road Traffic Act, 1933; and if he will ascertain from the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána what action is being taken in the matter.
andMr. P. J. Burke asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that certain radio-controlled hackneys stand in public places for immediate hire for the carriage of passengers for reward; and if he will ascertain from the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána what action is being taken in the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
The answer to both questions is "no".
I am informed that although some drivers of radio-controlled cars wait in their cars in public places until they receive radioed instructions to proceed to some other place to collect a passenger, they do not accept, and have strict instructions not to accept, offers of hiring made direct to them. A report on the method of operation was submitted to the Attorney-General who advised that it did not constitute a breach of the Road Traffic Act.