Taxi drivers do not agree with the findings of an independent report on their industry.
Taxi drivers have reacted with anger after an independent report by Goodbody found no reason to halt the issuing of new taxi licences.
The report, presented to the taxi regulator, found that there was no collapse in drivers' incomes and that
Taxi deregulation has meant a better service for consumers.
Taxi driver groups say that the report is out of date and have called on the Minister for Transport to reject the findings.
The report did acknowledge that taxi drivers now have to work longer hours averaging 52 hours per week.
Frank Byrne, Taxi Drivers for Change, says the fact that drivers have to work longer hours is not safe for drivers or customers.
The report also showed that demand for new licences is declining. In March 2008, 235 new licences were issued. In February 2009, this figure was just 33. As a result, the report concluded that there was no need to stop issuing new licences. Taxi Regulator, Kathleen Doyle, says that any decision on introducing a moratorium is a decision for the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey.
Taxi Unions plan to meet with the Minister tomorrow. Tommy Gorman, National Taxi Drivers' Union, is hopeful that this meeting will prevent any action on the streets.
The report is due to be considered by the Oireachtas Transport Committee. The chairman of the committee Frank Fahey TD has expressed support for a moratorium.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 March 2009. The reporter is John Kilraine.
