asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to introduce control of taxi licences as agreed between his predecessor and representatives of taxi interests; and when the proposed taxi board will be established.

5.

asked the Minister for the Environment if new regulations for the taxi trade will be introduced shortly; and if he will have consultations with the taxi trade prior to their introduction.

6.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is undertaking an investigation into the taxi trade; and, if so, when the results of this investigation will be available.

7.

andMr. O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans to alleviate the hardship suffered by full-time taximen in Limerick as the result of the unprecedented number of licences issued there last September, 8 per cent of which were granted to persons in full-time employment.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7 together. In accordance with a pre-election commitment, I eliminated the 1977 application period for new licences for small public service vehicles used for public hire in the taxi-meter areas of Dublin and Cork in order to allow for a review of licensing procedures before the next application period in September 1978. As regards the issue of licences in Limerick, which is not a taximeter area, I have received representations from a number of sources expressing concern as to the effect of a number of licences issued in 1977. However, I have no power under the Road Traffic Acts to put a limit on the number of licences which may be granted by the Garda Commissioner, nor have I power to revoke licences already issued. Pending the outcome of the review I have referred to, it would be inappropriate to comment further on any of the aspects of the subject referred to in the Deputies' questions.

Despite the inhibition the Minister feels he is under, does he believe that it is a good thing that there should be no statutory control whatever on the number of licences issued or on the standard of vehicles to which they are applicable? Is that a matter he is considering?

This whole matter is being considered. A review is being undertaken in my Department at the moment into the whole system of licensing taxis and a memorandum is in course of preparation. I would prefer to await the outcome of the discussions on the memorandum before commenting further.

Is the Minister familiar with the recommendations of the Hyland report?

Yes.

Would the Minister not consider that when the National Prices Commission set up that report and produced a good document there was no further need for any further consideration by the Minister's Department?

The Hyland report deals mainly with the fare structure. It also deals to a certain degree with other matters, such as the Minister's control over the taxi service, which come within the ambit of my Department. In view of the proposed review of the taxi service, I could not at this stage give any commitment on matters such as the establishment of a controlling agency or taxi board.

Is the Minister familiar with certain commitments entered into before the election last year?

I am.

There was no inhibition then about a memorandum or further consideration. Is it not a fact that this question of taxi control and taxi law generally has been fully considered over a number of years and the Minister's Department are now well equipped to introduce whatever measures are necessary and there is no need for evasion or the pretence that some further serious review must be undertaken by the Minister's Department? That kind of carry-on could go on for the next four years.

I can assure the Deputy this will not continue for anything like a period of three or four years.

How long will it be?

I could not say exactly.

Then how can the Minister say it will not be four years?

I know it will not be.

Could the Minister assure the House that the interests of the travelling public will be uppermost in his mind and will be given at least as much weight as the representations of those who now want the business to become a closed shop?

Yes. The position is that, while we are undertaking the review, we are also giving careful consideration to certain procedures with regard to consultations with various sections of the community.

Including, I hope, the travelling public.

Yes.

Is the Minister aware that there is difficulty in getting taxis in Dublin much of the time and would he bear that in mind when considering the matter.

Is it intended to issue licences in September of this year?

I do not think any of the questions on the Order Paper relate to that.

Yes, Question No. 4, control of taxi licences.

I could not say as of this moment but I will communicate with the Deputy.

I can tell the Minister they are not being issued.

Whatever decision is made I hope there will not be the same lack of thought as there was last year when the decision was not announced until 27 August, just three days before.