Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tax Regulations.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

148 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans for the introduction of measures to ensure maintenance of and improvement in qualitative standards for taxis; the plans he has to measure improved quality and standards in regard to checks on the backgrounds of applicants for new licences; the requirements regarding the applicant's geographic knowledge of the area to which the licence applies, the hygiene and mechanical condition of the vehicle, compliance with permitted fare levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30161/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

The new taxi regime which I have recently announced already includes a number of measures designed to improve the quality of taxi services. Annual instead of two yearly testing of vehicles has been introduced and this will soon come fully under the auspices of the national car test. By end 2001, all taxis will have to be fitted with taximeters capable of issuing automatic receipts. In addition, it is intended by end 2003 to begin the process of making all taxis wheelchair accessible.

I look forward to a rapid improvement of taxi services under the new arrangements. In addition, I intend to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, of disabled persons and of taxi service providers to develop further quality improvements for taxi services in the medium term.

Licensing of drivers of small public service vehicles continues to be the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and this process includes checks as to whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence to drive a small public service vehicle as well as a knowledge test of the taximeter area in question.

Enforcement of the regulatory provisions, including compliance with maximum fares, is a matter for the Garda Síochána.