Joe Sherlock
Ceist:90 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when the planned national taxi advisory council will be established; the proposed role and membership of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13694/03]
Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.
On 19 November 2002, the Government approved the establishment of the Office of the National Taxi Regulator and a taxi advisory commission, initially on a non-statutory basis, pending the development of legislative proposals. The preparation of the necessary legislation to provide for and support the establishment of a commission for taxi regulation and an advisory council is proceeding as a matter of urgency in my Department. It is envisaged that the proposed advisory council will advise the commission for taxi regulation and the Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers. The membership of the advisory council will be drawn from representatives of the taxi, hackney and limousine industry, local authorities, the Garda Síochána, consumer, disability, tourism and business interests and other relevant sectors.
I am anxious to proceed with the appointment of an advisory council on a non-statutory basis, pending the preparation and enactment of the necessary legislation. In this regard, I have recently sought nominations from a range of interest groups with a view to the appointment of a non-statutory advisory council. I hope to be in a position to appoint the advisory council in the near future.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:91 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the report requested from officials in his Department on the issuing of taxi licences to business concerns or individuals for their own use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13695/03]
The public service vehicle regulations, which provide the statutory basis for the licensing and operation of all public service vehicles, have established definitive parameters relating to the granting of licences to operate and drive taxis. A taxi licence is granted for the purpose of the provision by the vehicle to which the licence relates of a public hire service based on that vehicle standing and plying for hire in the taximeter area in respect of which the licence has been granted. In addition, taxis may only be driven by persons who hold a current small public service vehicle driver's licence. I have been advised by my Department that the particular statutory provisions and conditions that relate to both the granting of these licences and the driving and operation of taxis provide an appropriate legal basis for the licensing of taxi operations generally. The enforcement of these statutory provisions is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
The future regulation of taxis will be determined by the proposed commission for taxi regulation. Pending the appointment of a statutory regulator, I have appointed an interim chairman of the commission, Mr. Jimmy Farrelly, who is engaged in a consultation process with a view to assessing and addressing issues relating to standards in the industry. I have indicated that I am prepared to act on any recommendations proposed by Mr. Farrelly for urgent changes to the current regulations on standards proposed following this consultation.