To ask the Minister of the Environment what support his Department is providing to taxi companies in East Londonderry to enable them to adapt and make the transition in advance of the Taxis Act coming into force.

In February 2016 my Department issued a letter to all industry stakeholders and Northern Ireland taxi drivers, including those in the East Londonderry constituency.

The letter advised of important changes for the taxi industry from 31 May 2016 and also provided a link to the nidirect website, a helpline phone number and a Taxis Act e-mail address. The letter also advised that my Department will be providing more detailed information over the coming months.

The information provided to date and continued communication in the weeks approaching the commencement of the new regulations will help taxi operators throughout the North to prepare and make the necessary arrangements.