Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Séamus Brennan)

                        REPLY

I have recently made an order under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 to provide for the establishment of the Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation with effect from 4 November 2003.  In accordance with the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, it shall be the duty generally of the Council to advise the Commission for Taxi Regulation, when it is established, and myself as Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.  In line with the requirements of the Act, the Council includes representatives from a broad range of interest groups.   The Council consists of a chairperson and 17 ordinary members, appointed for a three year period, as follows

Mr Pat Byrne, former Garda Commissioner (Chairperson)

Chief Supt. Denis Fitzpatrick, An Garda Síochána

Ms Noreen Mackey, Competition Authority

Ms Sadie Doherty, Consumer and Community interests

Mr Jerry Brennan, SIPTU

Mr John Ussher, Irish Taxi Drivers Federation

Ms Deirdre Power, Irish Hotels Federation

Dr Deirdre OKeeffe, Fáilte Ireland

Mr Michael Kilcoyne, Consumers Association of Ireland

Mr Vincent Kearns, National Taxi Drivers Union

Ms Denise Kinahan, Taxi Company Owners Association

Mr Tom Fannin, National Chauffeur Drive Association

Mr Brian Killeen, Transport Logistics

Ms Mary Keogh, National Disability Authority

Mr Vincent Thornton, Irish Motor Industry

Ms Carmel Mulroy, Chambers of Commerce of Ireland

Mr Christopher Humphrey, National Private Hire & Taxi Association

Mr Joe Gavin, County and City Managers Association.

The Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission were not in a position yet to recommend a candidate for appointment as Commissioner for Taxi Regulation following  a recent competition for this post.  The matter is currently the subject of correspondence with the Department of Finance.