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09/06/2011
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)
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)
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01 October 2009
Taxi Drivers March On Transport Department
A group representing Ireland's private taxi drivers is to stage a protest in Dublin today, it has been revealed. An Garda Siochana said they understood a protest would take place by the group who are calling themselves “The Irish Taxi Council” this afternoon. According to Irishtaxi.
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A group representing Ireland's private taxi drivers is to stage a protest in Dublin today, it has been revealed. An Garda Siochana said they understood a protest would take place by the group who are calling themselves “The Irish Taxi Council” this afternoon. According to Irishtaxi.
23 July 2013
More Inspectors To Clamp Down On Rogue Taxi Drivers
A major new initiative has been launched to tackle rogue taxi drivers, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced. The NTA say they will double the number of inspectors, whose job it is to check each taxi driver is fully licensed, tax-compliant and complies fully with rules on vehicle standards.
More Inspectors To Clamp Down On Rogue Taxi Drivers
A major new initiative has been launched to tackle rogue taxi drivers, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced. The NTA say they will double the number of inspectors, whose job it is to check each taxi driver is fully licensed, tax-compliant and complies fully with rules on vehicle standards.
23 January 2013
Taxi Drivers With Serious Convictions To Face Disqualification
Under the new Taxi Regulation Bill, taxi drivers with serious criminal convictions will face mandatory disqualification. Around 6,000 people with SPFV licences who are driving taxis have some form of criminal conviction, according to Minister of State Alan Kelly.
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Under the new Taxi Regulation Bill, taxi drivers with serious criminal convictions will face mandatory disqualification. Around 6,000 people with SPFV licences who are driving taxis have some form of criminal conviction, according to Minister of State Alan Kelly.
29 June 2010
Appeal Over Foley Street Attack
Gardaí at Store Street investigating an assault that occurred on Foley Street, Dublin during May are appealing to the public for assistance. In particular they are appealing for two taxi drivers working in the area on the night of on Sunday 23 May to come forward.
Appeal Over Foley Street Attack
Gardaí at Store Street investigating an assault that occurred on Foley Street, Dublin during May are appealing to the public for assistance. In particular they are appealing for two taxi drivers working in the area on the night of on Sunday 23 May to come forward.
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