The Government has launched a new review of the taxi industry aimed at stamping out criminality, maintaining a living wage for drivers and providing a safe and efficient service for consumers.
The review is to be chaired by Minister for State for Public and Commuter Transport Allan Kelly with former Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne as vice chairman.
Its terms of reference are to explore all aspects of taxi regulation in Ireland.
Launching the review this morning, Mr Kelly said the Government was "seriously going to take the criminals out of the industry".
Among the issues to be addressed by the new committee will be how to combat 'cloning' of taxis - that is running two cars with the same number plates, insurance documentation, taxi licence and NCT certification.
The review will also look at tax evasion, fraud and the numbers of taxis allowed, particularly in Dublin.
Mr Kelly said most people were aware of the difficulties of taxi drivers in making a living in Dublin and the advice of the Attorney General would be sought in relation to potential limits on the number of licences.
He said the difficulties faced in making a living brought about by deregulation of the industry in recent years were not just a Dublin issue and were just as prevalent in rural areas.
