The number of taxis is having a detrimental impact on rural Ireland. In Tipperary, according to the most recent figures, there has been a drop to just 220 taxis despite a population growth of more than 4,000 people. This has an obvious negative impact on hospitality and retail services. Pubs and restaurants throughout Tipperary were already struggling with increased overheads and now they have a reduced number of clients as people are unable to get a guaranteed taxi service. Town pubs have lost rural customers and revenue due to a lack of reliable and affordable services. Many young people are left stranded after pubs and nightclubs close. This is damaging the social, cultural and economic aspects of local communities.

Securing transport is also a major issue for people who need to get to medical appointments or personal appointments or, in some cases, simply to get to their nearest town. I previously raised this growing issue with the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach mentioned that there would be a review. What is the position in respect of that review? Why can we not restore taxi services to viability?

I met some taxi drivers yesterday in Santry and they were highlighting a number of the challenges they saw in terms of the rigidity of the current system. There is a review under way. I will get the Deputy a timeline from the line Minister with regard to where that is at and when it is expected to have an output.

The point the Deputy makes is right. We need to see a partnership approach with regard to our taxi drivers, who are playing a vital role in the rural economy, but also safety. When someone goes on a night out or an evening out, they want to know they can get home safely, quickly and efficiently. They want to know who is behind the wheel, too. They want to have that safe service. I will ask the Minister for an update for the Deputy.