'MICHAEL O'LEARY' TYPE PURCHASING OF TAXI LICENCE PLATES MUST END - KENNY

Posted on February 1, 2012 5:00 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin North East T.D. and Oireachtas Transport Committee Member Seán Kenny has welcomed the publication of the Government's report on the future of taxi regulation in Ireland.

"Minister for Public & Commuter Transport Minister, Alan Kelly T.D. has done a lot of hard work on the report in order to address the numerous issues that face the taxi industry.

"The complete de-regulation of the taxi industry led to a situation which totally undermined the ability of full-time drivers to earn a decent living. The report proposes ways of dealing with this.

"I particularly welcome the focus on the removal of certain types of criminals from the sector, allowing the Gardaí to issue fixed-charge penalties. I also welcome the focus the report places on safety, with initiatives to ensure that taxis are road worthy and the proposed new Smartphone app which will allow consumers to check if their driver is licensed and operating within the regulations.

"The vast majority of taxi drivers and operators provide a fantastic service but have unfortunately been tarnished by the actions of a minority. New actions as outlined in this report, will help combat this and introduce a new industry standard.

"I think that consultation needs to take place with taxi drivers concerning the practise of renting taxi licences but not renting the vehicle and also on the issue of renting both licence and vehicle with roof signs and taxi meters.

"Problems with the taxi industry have needed to be addressed for a number of years and I believe that Minister Kelly and the Government have wasted no time in delivering on the commitment made in the Programme for Government. This action-orientated report is another example of the Government delivering on its promise of reform.

"Finally, I would call for an end to be put to the purchasing of taxi plates that was engaged in by Ryanair's Michael O'Leary so that he could have the personal privilege of being able travel in bus lanes. Purchasing a taxi licence for this purpose is absurd and the practise should be ended."