Seamus Kirk
Ceist:790 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Transport the proposed changes for taxi drivers throughout the country [1844/03]
Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.
The Agreed Programme for Government sets out commitments in relation to taxi services including the appointment of a regulator for the future regulation of licensing, standards and the quality of service. On 19 November 2002 the Government approved the establishment, initially on a non-statutory basis, of the office of the national taxi regulator.
Pending the drawing up of formal legislative proposals and subject to the enactment of legislation, it is envisaged that the office of the regulator will have a national focus and will have full effective control over the promotion of a professional, efficient and customer-friendly service by all small public service vehicles, including taxis, hackneys and limousines. This will include the overall application of standards for drivers, licence holders and for vehicles. In relation to drivers, it is envisaged that the functions of the office of the regulator will include the setting of standards for driver training, including requirements for entry, as well as standards for customer service and for meeting the needs of people with disabilities. It is also envisaged that the regulator will oversee the licensing of drivers following consultation with the Garda Síochána.