Vol. 494 No. 4
378 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will approve the Waterford taxi stand by-laws, which have been with his Department since May 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18447/98]
I have no function in relation to the making of by-laws for taxi stands. These by-laws are drafted by the Garda Commissioner following consultation with the local authority concerned and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The approval of the Attorney General is also required. Following this approval the by-laws are signed by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. In accordance with these procedures, the Garda Commissioner forwarded the draft by-laws, referred to by the Deputy, to the Department of the Environment and Local Government in November, 1997 for their observations, prior to sub-mitting them to the Attorney General for his approval. I understand that the Department of the Environment and Local Government suggested a number of amendments, and that the chief superintendent at Waterford is amending the schedule of appointed stands in consultation with Waterford Corporation. I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to have the process completed as soon as possible.
