IRISH TIMES: Calls for ‘recognition, respect and support’ of taxi sector
Link to the Original Article - https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/calls-for-recognition-respect-and-support-of-taxi-sector-1.4356294
The “cosseted political class” and the Dáil suspension debacle were compared with the plight of taxi drivers during a debate calling for a comprehensive package to support the industry.
Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín said the taxi and hackney sector had virtually collapsed during the Covid-19 pandemic but drivers were left to get on with it.
“Yet we have the cosseted political class yesterday literally closed everything down. It is well known that their incomes are not going to be touched in any way.
“We had a decision made to close the chamber down with no discussion between the political parties.
“It’s not a logical situation that the Dáil can be so cosseted while at the same time 22,000 jobs in the taxi sector are under such pressure.”
He said the Government had to get out of the tunnel vision they’re in and “help struggling sectors directly”.
The Meath West TD was speaking during a private members’ motion calling for “recognition, respect and support” for the struggling sector, where 22 per cent of drivers are over 66 years old.
Thousands of taxi drivers protested outside Leinster House on Tuesday to highlight the impact of the pandemic on the sector.
