Uber, a company we read knowingly flouted laws, misled people and sold a lie, put a huge effort into influencing transport policy here. It found a sympathetic audience in Fine Gael but, thanks to the resistance of the regulator, it did not succeed. Recently, the Tánaiste opened the door to the company again when he pointed towards the possibility of ride-sharing as a solution to the current constraints in late-night taxi and public transport. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has an ongoing recruitment campaign. It is trying to encourage people into the taxi industry. Fine Gael's cosy relationship with Uber undermines that. The Tánaiste's public utterances matter. Who would invest in a taxi with that cloud hanging over the sector? Will he on behalf of the Government categorically ruled out the introduction of a deregulated Uber-model ride-sharing system here in line with the firm recommendation of the regulator?

At present, there are no plans by Government to introduce a ride-sharing system in Ireland, whether it is Uber, Lyft or any of the many companies that offer that service. However, I have used it in other countries. I think approximately 10,000 cities in the world have ride-sharing in some form. I say to people travelling over the summer to try it out in the city they visit, talk to the driver and then form an opinion as to whether it is a good idea or not.