FAIR before EC to seek compensation

The group which represents the wives, widows and partners of pre-deregulation taxi drivers fly to Brussels today to put its case for compensation before the European Commission.

Families Advocate Immediate Redress, or FAIR, want the Government to help those who are in debt as a result of the deregulation of the taxi market.

The group will address the European Petitions Committee in Brussels this afternoon, who will then make a recommendation on the matter after hearing the views of all sides.

FAIR says a report from the taxi hardship panel is with the Government since June, but is still awaiting Cabinet discussion.

It claims the exchequer has received €50m from the purchase of new taxi licences since deregulation two years ago.

The group feels this money should now be used to pay those who invested in licences before deregulation and who are now facing payments of almost €1,000 a month.

A group spokesperson says the Brussels trip is an important step in getting justice for its members.