asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that in certain counties some owners of private motor cars have been accepting hire from passengers, thereby depriving hackney car owners of earning their livelihoods; and, if so, whether he will take effective steps to remedy the matter immediately.

I have asked the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána to take any possible steps to deal with the practice. The Deputy will no doubt appreciate that it is difficult to get evidence of offences of this kind.