AQW 27856/11-15

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley
Democratic Unionist Party
Fermanagh and South Tyrone

Tabled Date: 05/11/2013
Answered On Date: 14/11/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of the Environment to provide a copy of the report compiled by senior Driver and Vehicle Agency staff following video-footage taken of private hire taxis by enforcement officers at Ravenhill Rugby Grounds, Mount Merrion Avenue entrance on 23 August 2013.

Answer:

The Department recently assessed the manner in which taxi services were being provided at Ravenhill rugby ground to ascertain whether there were any breaches of the current taxi legislation and to help inform the Department’s policy position for enforcement.

The observations of enforcement officers were not captured in a separate formal report but rather formed part of the overall consideration of the Ravenhill arrangements, which included seeking legal clarification and advice from the Departmental Solicitors’ Office. After careful deliberation, the Department determined that the provision of taxi services at Ravenhill rugby ground was compliant with the requirements of the Taxis Act (NI) 2008 and other related legislation.

My Department’s interpretation of the legal position as regards provision of taxis at Ravenhill was issued on 21st October 2013 and is attached for information.