A new Bill to regulate the taxi industry is being discussed in the Seanad.

Proposed measures include removing serious criminals from driving cabs and giving the Gardai more powers to refuse licenses.

It will bring in a number of new rules including better enforcement of taxi ranks.

Junior Transport Minister Alan Kelly says this Bill will see a major overhaul of the taxi industry.

The most significant one is who can and cannot have a license.

Drivers can appeal ban

People with serious criminal convictions will be banned from holding a license while those with minor convictions will have temporary bans but can appeal them.

The Bill will also bring in a penalty point system for drivers who will face suspension if they have 8 'demerits' on their license.

But a number of Senators have brought up concerns about access to taxis in rural Ireland.

It follows on from a call from Kerry County Council to allow limited drink driving so people do not feel isolated.

Minister Kelly spoke to Lunchtime here on Newstalk.