Up to €13,000 for taxi drivers hit by deregulation
The scheme was set up to assist taxi drivers who lost out as a result of the deregulation of the industry two years ago. Transport Minister Séamus Brennan insisted last night the initiative was not a compensation scheme, but aimed to alleviate distress for people who had suffered serious loss. These include widows, old age pensioners, those who invested in wheelchair accessible taxis, and people struggling with large loan repayments.
The Hardship Panel, which assessed the awards, disallowed claims from almost 400 drivers who argued they had to work increased hours to make ends meet as a result of increased competition due to taxi liberalisation introduced in December 2000. Mr Brennan welcomed the findings of the independent panel, which was set up last February. He also pledged the hardship payments and other details of the scheme would be treated in confidence.
