Regulator offers to hold talks with taxi union leadership

The Taxi Regulator has offered to meet with the leadership of the three main taxi-drivers' unions to discuss their concerns about a new fare structure coming into force next month.

The unions had invited Ger Deering to attend a mass meeting of drivers to discuss the changes.

However, he said today that he did not feel this would be the right format for constructive negotiations and has instead offered to hold talks with the leaders of the taxi unions.

Representatives from the unions are meeting this afternoon to discuss the offer.

Thousands of mainly Dublin-based taxi drivers have already mounted two one-day work stoppages in protest at the new fare structure, which will see them lose luggage charges and the special fee for pick-ups at Dublin Airport.

The drivers have also threatened to target the Ryder Cup next month if their concerns are not addressed.

Mr Deering, however, says there will not be changes to the new fare structure as it has already been agreed following an extensive consultation process involving all interested parties.