Serious concerns highlighted in taxi driver vetting process – O’Donovan

Added February 14th, 2013

Fine Gael Limerick TD and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Thursday) expressed serious concerns after it was revealed that taxi drivers from certain countries are only being vetted once they enter Ireland, with their previous criminal offences potentially going under the radar. Deputy O’Donovan was speaking after representatives of the TTnH (Tiomanai Tacsai na hÉireann) appeared before the Transport Committee this morning.

 “I was shocked with what we were told by the the taxi drivers’ body today, that taxi drivers from certain foreign countries are only being vetted from their point of entry to Ireland. In other words, only their records for their time in Ireland are examined, and any previous criminal records they may have abroad are going under the radar.

 “When asked, the TTnH representative said Gardaí had not specified which countries are involved, but it is mostly in relation to countries outside the EU, as there is a good level of tracking and information sharing across judicial systems in the EU.

 “This is a very serious development. I agree with the TTnH, who told the Committee that this is a public safety issue. We need to ensure that we have a secure vetting system in place, so when you get into a taxi you can rest easy in the knowledge that the driver is above reproach.

 “I have called for representatives from the Garda Vetting Unit or the Department of Justice to come before the Committee to clarify this matter and to explain which countries we are not getting enough information on. It was stated at the Committee meeting that people with serious criminal offences on their record from a country outside the EU are potentially being granted taxi licences. This is extremely unsatisfactory.

 “I have no doubt that the majority of drivers have impeccable backgrounds, however we need to ensure that all drivers are subjected to the same level of vetting and checks before they are awarded a licence.

 “It is very important that taxi drivers working here aren’t just vetted for the first time when they enter the State. It should be possible to establish if they have serious criminal offences in their past, particularly considering they are taking up a position of responsibility, where the personal safety of their customers is paramount.”