Ireland's government has offered limited compensation for losses suffered by taxi plate holders following de-restriction.

Taxi representatives have slammed as 'derisory' offers of compensation to license holders who suffered large capital losses following de-restriction of numbers in 2000, and have accused Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan of 'disrespect and hypocrisy' regarding his treatment of a European Union committee.

The comments came after a government-established taxi hardship panel approved payments to 49 of around 400 applicants for compensation.  The payouts are subject to a maximum of EUR15,000, with the current batch worth from EUR3,000 upwards, with most receiving around EUR13,000.  This compares to pre-liberalisation license values of around EUR100,000.

Those qualifying for the scheme were found to be experiencing financial hardship following de-restriction, and include widows of taxi drivers, those aged 65 or over, drivers without a pension, those with large loan payments outstanding and those who had purchased wheelchair accessible taxis.

Mr Tommy Gorman, president of the National Taxi Drivers' Union, accused the minister of conducting a 'public relations' exercise in announcing the payments in the run up to Christmas, and branded the payments a 'token gesture'.

Further payments should be approved by February 2004.

Earlier this month Minister Brennan rejected claims that he was ignoring the recommendations of the EU Petitions Committee for full compensation in relation to losses suffered.  The Irish Times quoted Mr Brennan as saying "I have met with these people, and I have listened to their submissions.  The answer is no".

Meanwhile, the Minister announced the establishment of a Commission for Taxi Regulation early next year, which will be charged with introducing a new regulatory regime for taxis and hackneys (private hire vehicles).

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