Taxi regulation and transport grant
Mary Lou McDonald sought progress on taxi regulation and questioned the legality of the motorised transport grant scheme. The Tánaiste expected the taxi Bill during the session and directed the grant issue to parliamentary questions.
I have two questions. The first relates to the taxi regulation Bill. The Tánaiste will be aware of the pressure taxi drivers across the State are under. The deregulation of the industry some years ago was a disaster. When can we expect that Bill? Second, the ombudsman has found, once again, that the Department of Health and Children is operating a scheme in breach of the Equal Status Act, namely, the motorised transport grant. Previously we learned of a similar breach in respect of the mobility allowance. Has the Government sought legal advice on this matter and how does it explain this ongoing breach? Will the Minister for Health and Children present himself to the Dáil to make a statement on this matter?
Comment on this
That is not a matter for the Order of Business. Perhaps the Whips could agree something with regard to that second issue.
Comment on this
The taxi regulation Bill is being prepared by the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly. The text of the Bill was approved by Government this week and it is hoped to publish the Bill this session. On the second matter, we have a parliamentary question procedure in the House and I am sure the Minister for Health and Children would be happy to answer a question on that matter if the Deputy cared to submit it.
Comment on this
Does the Tánaiste have a view on it?