'Less than 50' taxis using controversial lights

The Irish Taxi Drivers Federation has said that less than 50 taxis in the Dublin area are using controversial green lights on top of their vehicles.

It has been claimed the lights are being used to let customers know whether or not the driver is Irish.

Earlier Transport Minister Leo Varadkar called for an end to the practice, which he described as racist.

President of the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation, John Usher, said a minority of drivers are using the green light - and are doing so primarily to let people know when they are available.

"If they are there for any other purpose, other than to just say 'for hire'… then I would totally oppose them and I would be in agreement with the National Transport Authority.

"If they are there to identify the nationality of the driver then they must come down.

"But I honestly don't think that's what they are there for."