Major Taxi Review Launched

The Public and Commuter Transport Minister has announced the launch of a major new taxi review-group.

The group, which will be chaired by Minister Alan Kelly, will consist of Garda, consumer, driver, transport and other sectoral representatives and will explore all aspects of taxi regulation in Ireland. Pat Byrne, currently Chairman of Taxi Advisory Committee, will be Vice-Chairman of the group.

Minister Kelly said: “The review will allow the clean-up of unacceptable practices in the sector, many of which were highlighted in RTE’s recent Prime Time Investigates programme on the sector.

“We have to eliminate fraud and illegal activity so that the majority of taxi drivers who do their jobs properly are not competing with rogue elements in the sector. We also have to make the public feel safe using taxis. This imitative has the full support of the Government and is a priority for completion.”

The group will come back with specific recommendations on licensing, enforcement, vehicle standards, supply issues in rural and urban areas and safe driver working hours. It is expected to take a three to four month period when the recommendations will be published.

The review follows a commitment in the programme for Government to update the regulation of taxis to ensure that taxi drivers are recognised as a key component of the public transport system and to provide for a forum for discussion between the regulatory authorities and taxi providers.

On two key issues relating to the future of the taxi sector, controlling the supply and disqualifying drivers on the basis of a defined criminal record, the Minister will write to the Attorney General for legal clarifications on these matters.

(BMcN)