Vol. 575 No. 1
71 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when the planned national taxi advisory council will be established; the proposed role and membership of the council; when a permanent taxi regulator will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27843/03]
I have recently made an order under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 to provide for the establishment of the Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation with effect from 4 November 2003. In accordance with the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, it shall be the duty generally of the council to advise the Commission for Taxi Regulation, when it is established, and myself as Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers. In line with the requirements of the Act, the council includes representatives from a broad range of interest groups. The council consists of a chairperson and 17 ordinary members, appointed for a three year period, as follows:
Mr. Pat Byrne, former Garda Commissioner (Chairperson)
Chief Supt. Denis Fitzpatrick, An Garda Síochána
Ms Noreen Mackey, Competition Authority
Ms Sadie Doherty, Consumer and Community interests
Mr. Jerry Brennan, SIPTU
Mr. John Ussher, Irish Taxi Drivers Federation
Ms Deirdre Power, Irish Hotels Federation
Dr. Deirdre O'Keeffe, Fáilte Ireland
Mr. Michael Kilcoyne, Consumers Association of Ireland
Mr. Vincent Kearns, National Taxi Drivers' Union
Ms Denise Kinahan, Taxi Company Owners Association
Mr. Tom Fannin, National Chauffeur Drive Association
Mr. Brian Killeen, Transport Logistics
Ms Mary Keogh, National Disability Authority
Mr. Vincent Thornton, Irish Motor Industry
Ms Carmel Mulroy, Chambers of Commerce of Ireland
Mr. Christopher Humphrey, National Private Hire & Taxi Association
Mr. Joe Gavin, County and City Managers Association.
The Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission was unable to recommend a candidate for appointment as Commissioner for Taxi Regulation following a recent competition for this post. The matter is currently the subject of correspondence with the Department of Finance.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 23.
