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Column How practising mindfulness can help your work life

Some of the world’s most successful companies are investing in mindfulness training for their employees to help them deal better with stress and workplace challenges, writes Joanne O’Malley

‘MINDFULNESS’ MEANS BEING present in the moment, aware of what is going on inside and around us instead of engrossed in the merry-go-round of our thoughts and emotions. Meditation quiets the mind and fosters new ways of relating to whatever external stressors emerge in the workday.

Everyone knows that training makes our body stronger, fitter and more flexible. Now, neuroscience research shows that mindfulness training cultivates the innate capacities of the mind to be present; to step out of automatic pilot and to create space so we can be clearer, calmer, more focused, more creative, even more compassionate.

Continuous partial attention

It’s not how long we sit at a desk but the attention we give to the task in hand that determines the value we bring. Many people today are in a state of ‘continuous partial attention’ which impacts their performance, relationships and well-being negatively. Mindfulness practise alters how we relate on a moment to moment basis with experience – in ways that enable an elevated capacity to focus/remember/learn, regulate and manage emotions and relate with colleagues. This makes a huge difference in how we function in our work lives.

As a result, some of the world’s most successful companies including Google, McKinsey, KPMG, Barclays, Apple, Yahoo, Nike, Ford, Sun Life Financial and Starbucks are investing in mindfulness training for their employees. Some of these have even integrated mindfulness into their corporate culture:

Janice Marturano – General Mills - (company behind Cheerios cereal and Häagen-Dazs ice cream)

Janice refers to herself as a reformed ‘21st century juggler’ and is of the biggest names in this area. She brought meditation training to over 500 employees at packaged food giant General Mills, as well as Intel, Target, Mayo Clinic and United Way. In the wake of these successes, she founded the Institute for Mindful Leadership where she has developed and teaches courses to executives and leaders around the world.  The Financial Times (Aug 2012) cited research results of its effectiveness:

  • 80 per cent reported a positive change in their ability to make decisions with more clarity
  • 89 per cent reported enhanced listening capabilities (to themselves and others)
  • 83 per cent ‘take time each day to optimise my personal productivity
  • 82 per cent ‘make time to eliminate tasks/meetings with limited productivity value

Chade-Meng Tan (Jolly Good Fellow) – Google

Google offers mindfulness and emotional intelligence training to its workers with the Search Inside Yourself (SIY) programme pioneered by Chade-Meng Tan who also authored Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace). The training has three parts: attention training, self-knowledge and building useful mental habits and has been delivered to more than 1,000 employees. Chade-Meng Tan says “Mindfulness is an idea whose time has come. For a long time practitioners knew, but the science wasn’t there. Now the science has caught up.”

Tara Healy and Tami Ireland – Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare

This financially stable Massachusetts-based insurance provider had been in receivership for five years when they quietly piloted a mindfulness course that was an immediate success. The pilot blossomed into Mind the Moment, which has now been delivered to 30 per cent of Harvard’s 1,200 employees and client organisations. On evaluation, participants reported being more focused, less stressed and overwhelmed as well as more productive and energetic. Relationships with colleagues and bosses are better.

Mark Bertolini –  Aetna Insurance – 3rd largest health insurer in US with 30,000 employees

Mindfulness helped Bertolini recover from a serious accident and he became an advocate: “Every morning I get up and I do my meditation before work, that’s my wellness programme. It helps me be more centred, more present.” he stated.  He recently said on CNBC that the most stressed-out employees’ health care costs are $2,000 higher than average employees and ‘mindfulness’ benefits yield an 11-to-1 return on investment. His mission is to promote yoga and mind-body therapies.

Jeff Weiner – LinkedIn

The list goes on and on… An annual conference called Wisdom draws together thousands of technologists from Silicon Valley like Twitter,  Facebook and LinkedIn who trade mindfulness tips. Jeff Weiner, CEO of the social-networking site LinkedIn says “compassion” and “listening” are now fundamental principles of his leadership.

The benefits of practising mindfulness

Thirty years of research and clinical trials has conclusively proven the value of mindfulness in reducing stress and increasing well-being. A National Institutes of Health study showed that the health benefits could even be seen as a matter of life and death, with a 23 per cent decrease in mortality, a 30 per cent decrease in death due to cardiovascular problems, and a big decrease in cancer mortality as well. Now, a growing body of empirical research is showing equally striking benefits in terms of focus, clarity, creativity and energy, making the corporate world sit up and take mindfulness seriously. Research evidence shows improvements in:

  • Cognitive function and flexibility (concentration, memory and learning)
  • Emotional reactivity and ability to be self aware and self manage
  • Productivity
  • Employer/employee and client relationships
  • Job satisfaction
  • Costs of staff absenteeism and turnover

Mindfulness is one of the best ways of cultivating a way of being in our ‘right minds’ and ‘right hearts’. It encourages people to see the bigger picture, be more focused, open, accepting, attuned, collaborative, generous and discerning; it cultivates innate intelligence and moves teams towards co-operation and win-win outcomes. There is an equally clear bottom line but the rules/structures/processes are very different. They are more flexible and responsive and the whole organisation is more dynamic and a better place for ‘human beings’ to work.

Top tips on practising mindfulness at work

Practising mindfulness sounds simple but, of course, it’s not because it goes against the grain of how we have been socialised to think and function. Instead of striving to get things done, always rushing to spot and fix problems, mindfulness is about just being present, open and accepting of ‘what is’ just as it is and if action is required seeing that and making a conscious intentional choice.

It is experiential, rather than theoretical so the effort comes in the development of a practice. This begins with self-discovery and becoming more compassionate to oneself, then ultimately toward others. With practice, people notice they spend less time worrying about the past and concerned about what will happen in the future; they gain perspective, listen better and are more discerning.

Top ten tips on practising mindfulness at work

These tips will help you remember to be present, so you don’t miss the moment:

  1. Set your alarm a little earlier and allow yourself 5 to 30 minutes after you wake to be quiet and meditate, listen to the sounds of nature, or take a slow quiet walk outside.
  2. Throughout the day, notice your posture. Shoulders raised? Jaw clenched? Any tightness, or tension being held? Even slight physical adjustments – becoming more upright, open, soft – can have a powerful effect on opening attention up or closing it down.
  3. Notice when you are rushing. Move a little slower and pay more attention to your movements and how your body feels, consciously letting go regularly.
  4. Notice your breathing often. Where do you feel it? Connect with the sensations of breathing directly and rest your attention there to anchor your mind and bring you into the present.
  5. Really listen to others; to the sound and tone of their voice(s), see their body language; notice your own response, can you remain open and non-judgemental?
  6. Whenever you walk, notice the sensation of walking, one foot on the floor, followed by the other.
  7. Pause whenever you can and connect with your senses; feeling your clothes on your skin, the air against your face and hands; hearing what sounds are around/silence; seeing what before you, the colours/textures without adding any interpretation/thinking to it…
  8. When you are eating, eat a little slower and tune into really tasting, seeing, smelling, appreciating your food more fully.
  9. Before you go into a meeting, take a call, give yourself the space to ask yourself what your intention is so that you are able to behave consciously and not waste opportunities.
  10. When you arrive home, take a few minutes to be quiet and still and orient yourself towards being there. Maybe change your clothes, say ‘hi’ and connect with the people.

Most people need guidance and support to develop a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness at Work offer a range of public courses,  1-to-1 coaching and also customises programmes specifically for organisations. Founded by Joanne O’Malley in response to people’s need for an antidote to stress and a way of living fuller, more alive, wholehearted and balanced lives,  Joanne’s experience is that mindfulness nurtures a way of being that builds people’s inner resources, mind and heart fitness so they can function more effectively and live more fully. How is your state of mind? Why not Test Yourself and find out? Contact: e: info@mindfulnessatwork.ie p: 087 961 5901   w: www.mindfulnessatwork.ie

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32 Comments
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    Mute Jake
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:27 AM

    Uber and Lyft are the answer – scrap taxi’s and the cartel they have

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    Mute Garreth Mc Mahon
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:06 AM

    @Jake: cartel, it has a regulator who raises prices there are now thousands of extra taxis now compared to years ago, Uber is simply a glorified hackney service who work to almost zero regulation is terms of insurance road worthiness and tax

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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:14 AM

    @Garreth Mc Mahon: Not true, but that doesn’t suit your agenda.

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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:13 AM

    @Jake: obviously not following Uber development’s in the US covering up crimes like Rape and kidnapping.

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    Mute Newsreader
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:31 AM

    @davey boy: could you elaborate on what isn’t true? Not disputing anything or have a stance on it. Just interested as would initially think unregulated taxi/ride share would negatively impact areas.

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    Mute Garreth Mc Mahon
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:46 AM

    @davey boy: eh davey sorry to burst you bubble but I’m not a taxi driver and since I’m married with kids I’m also not aloud out to use them, I’m a maintenance engineer in full time employment and don’t have time to take my agenda notes from Mel Gibson’s conspiracy theory like your self…. if you really are @davey boy

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:47 AM

    @davey boy: is true!

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    Mute brendan H
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:09 AM

    @Jake: So basically have unregulated taxis, drivers that are not Garda cleared, if you punch someone ya can go work for another ride share app because they don’t know your background, do that in a taxi and kiss your license goodbye, no yearly nct and not the proper insurance that costs thousands all that’s checked yearly on a taxi plus revenue checks the condition of interior and exterior before a yearly license is granted. And it makes it easier to police a public service vehicle. And its not a cartel, do the exam get the license and drive for a existing taxi for a shift or put your own on the road. Taxis in Europe are better regulated than most countries.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:21 AM

    @DavidOReilly: Was there not a woman raped in a Dublin taxi this xmas in Ballsbrudge?

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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:14 PM

    @Newsreader: My issue is that he is claiming there is near zero insurance cover and regulation. That’s not true. We need more ideas like Uber in the countryside. There are plenty of illegal unregaulated taxis in place now, in fact I use them as they will pick me up and a night out won’t cost me another €50.

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    Mute JustOneScoop
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:34 PM

    @Jake: Uber is a race to the bottom, Coming soon to a job near you. The only benefit Uber give is to Uber share holders. This is wall street and we are all clambering for it. Crazy stuff. All shouting for more automation of our own employment, laughable

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    Mute brendan H
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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:42 PM

    @brendan H: I was supposed to put a comma between revenue and checks, obviously revenue don’t check condition of a taxi.:/

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:04 AM

    Uber is the only solution. Of course taxi drivers will ask for huge subsidies to keep a redundant career path that wouldn’t survive in any other area. Uber drivers with a small tax free allowance similar to the rent a room scheme is the answer. Taxi driving is no longer a full time viable career. Encouraging car sharing is the only economically and environmentally sustainable solution. Full time taxi driving either exploits driver or passenger. In cities it also clogs roads in the day time with empty cars and not enough at weekends.

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    Mute Noj Nikrub
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:36 AM

    @Cyril Butler: that actually makes a lot of sense

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    Mute Joanna Lynch
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:05 AM

    @Cyril Butler: “taxi driving is no longer a full time viable career” Hahaha, where are you getting that information from ?

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    Mute windbag
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:56 AM

    @Cyril Butler: talking through your hole as usual… so you would rather sit in traffic than use the bus lanes to save a fiver …. and have you ever used uber in other cities. It’ll cost you more than a taxi at peak times ….

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    Mute neuromancer
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:48 AM

    @Cyril Butler: how many car-sharers would we need to replace all the taxi drivers in Ireland? How many already have jobs and want to work the unsociable hours taxi drivers work currently?
    How many would like to pay a few thousand in insurance costs? The list goes on and on.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:58 PM

    @windbag: Used Uber overseas regularly including Capetown, the most dangerous city on earth. No not talking through my hole. Don’t get me wrong, I feel sorry for any traditional job being wound down but every job changes with time and has a lifespan. All white collar jobs today require re-education, retraining and reskilling. I’m all for decent pay and decent unions for these jobs. However driving a car and preaching health & safety when you are just driving a car won’t cut it, even if taxi drivers have massive overheads which I realise they do. However that only makes it even more crazy. Taxi drvers are already struggling to make a living while having to resort to extortion to do so. It’s like a burguler having huge overheads.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:59 PM

    @windbag: It’s not sustainable and won’t last. Drivers need to retrain and re-skill. If they don’t find a new role the market will eventually find it for them on the dole or retirement.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:05 PM

    @neuromancer: it won’t be all or nothing. Until autonomous vehicles arrive either Uber surge pricing or the traditional taxis which remain will pick up the slack as best as humanly possible. This is exactly what already happens elsewhere. I know because I’ve used it. Eventually autonomous level 5 cars will make even this entire conversation redundant. Someone being blind, disabled or drunk is not a barrier to the advantages of car ownership elsewhere whereas it is here because our taxi laws are from the 19th and early 20th century.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:26 PM

    @Joanna Lynch: From personal experience as someone who has been travelling the world for the last 20 years. The Irish and European taxi model will change because it’s denying basic mobility services to the blind, the disabled, the elderly as well as encouraging people to buy cars they shouldn’t need. As well as this the taxi monopoly is ruining the night time economy all over Ireland not just in rural Ireland. Used Uber everywhere in Capetown and stayed miles out in the suburbs in an Airbnb. No way I could do this in Ireland. Only reason the general public can’t have this here is because of militant taxi drivers and a completely inept NTA that’s not fit for purpose.i have sympathy for any job holder but why have video streaming if it kills the local video store etc ?

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    Mute Joanna Lynch
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:21 PM

    @Cyril Butler: I can tell you, from personal experience i.e. me, that taxi drivers can make a fine living, if they choose to. Picking the hours you need to work facilitates this.
    With regards to catering to disabilities, there are almost 2,000 wheel chair taxi drivers here, and we receive training on a multitude of disabilities. It’s actually somewhat covered on the standard taxi course too.
    Your other points, either aren’t going to happen ( uber has been blocked by the courts) and self drive is a long way off.

    From all your spouting, what I’ve mostly gathered, is you’re a bloke who can’t afford a taxi.

    I do however agree that something has to improve for rural areas, I’m just not sure, judging by this article, that they are going about it the right way.

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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:10 AM

    @Cyril Butler: what are u talking about? I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family so stop talking nonsense saying it’s not possible for it too be anybody’s full time job. Yous are all great at giving opinions about taxis and all but yous haven’t got a clue

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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:11 AM

    @Cyril Butler: what are u talking about? I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family so stop talking nonsense saying it’s not possible for it too be anybody’s full time job. You’s are all great at giving opinions about taxis and all but yous haven’t got a clue

    1
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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:13 AM

    @Cyril Butler: you haven’t got a clue Cyril I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family and I work very hard too make a honest living so don’t be talking nonsense. You’s are all great at giving opinions but you’s haven’t got a clue

    1
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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:14 AM

    @Cyril Butler: Cyril I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family and I work very hard too make a honest living so don’t be talking nonsense. You’s are all great at giving opinions but you’s haven’t got a clue

    1
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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:33 AM

    @Joanna Lynch: A bloke who can’t afford a taxi really? Nobody in Dublin uses a taxi as alternative transport to their own car. That service simply isn’t available. As for disabled and the elderly, they simply stay at home unless they absolutely have to go somewhere, then they are gouged to go to a clinic or some other essential service. I’m all for compassion when a job can’t or won’t be sustainable eg Bord Na Mona employees, or construction workers in 2008. As a civilised society we have to deal compassionately and constructively with these people offer retraining etc but the whole idea of a job is to provide goods or a service not to deny the public a service. Rural Uber is absolutely essential and the rest of the country won’t be far behind when Dublin grinds to a halt.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:33 AM

    @Joanna Lynch: A bloke who can’t afford a taxi really? Nobody in Dublin uses a taxi as alternative transport to their own car. That service simply isn’t available. As for disabled and the elderly, they simply stay at home unless they absolutely have to go somewhere, then they are gouged to go to a clinic or some other essential service. I’m all for compassion when a job can’t or won’t be sustainable eg Bord Na Mona employees, or construction workers in 2008. As a civilised society we have to deal compassionately and constructively with these people offer retraining etc but the whole idea of a job is to provide goods or a service not to deny the public a service. Rural Uber is absolutely essential and the rest of the country won’t be far behind when Dublin grinds to a halt.

    1
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    Mute seanofiachra
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:59 AM

    Does anyone know what checks taxi people have to undergo, I know EU nationals are easy to check but from less developed countries, seeing as we hire doctors that have zero qualifications. Young, drunk and vulnerable surely should be well checked out. But be shocked to learn Shane Ross is more thorough.

    53
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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:16 AM

    @seanofiachra: Hiring Doctors with no qualifications? Wow, that’s some generalisation.

    43
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    Mute seanofiachra
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:28 AM

    @davey boy: Over egged for emphasis, but seriously unqualified.Not being able to identify a cranium under X- ray. Over doing it, a little Davy. But not far off

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    Mute Chin Feeyin
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:25 AM

    @seanofiachra: “Does anyone know……”

    Look it up.

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    Mute Derek Blake
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:08 AM

    @seanofiachra: Seems there are two types of taxi drivers license. One for Irish where you are Garda vetted etc… and have to pass the knowledge test. The second, no Garda vetting, no driver knowledge/ theory test.
    Pays to be a non- national!!

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    Mute Joe Bloggs
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:57 AM

    @Derek Blake: anyone applying for PSV licence has to produce photographic proof of identity, their driver’s licence & a tax clearance cert to Gardaí. They’re then checked for previous convictions & incidents. It’s the same for everyone, and Uber has none of this.

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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:16 PM

    @Jayo Breathneach: A few isolated cases does not make it the norm. And these rare “ under qualified” people get found out pretty damn quickly.

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:41 AM

    1980`s don`t get into a car with a stranger…
    2000`s don`t talk to a stranger on the Internet…
    2020`s let`s hire a stranger on the internet to pick us up in his car…

    Uber is NOT the answer to Ireland`s rural transport problems

    54
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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 5:19 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: How is that poem any different for taxi drivers? Uber drivers are Garda vetted and while most taxi drivers are hard working honest people still every second day there is a taxi crime story on the news. Up to the government to enforce safety standards whether Uber or traditional taxis. If taxi drivers were so concerned about passenger safety why aren’t they calling for mandatory dash cam technology. Safety is only raised by taxi drivers when Uber is mentioned and when governments ignore this “safety advice” taxi unions shut down cities because a genuine strike by taxi drivers such as by nurses would simply be ignored with even more calls for Uber

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 5:20 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: . I’m all for sustainable wages and decent working conditions but reality will eventually kick in that taxi drivers unions can’t use brute force to stop change.

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    Mute Joe Bloggs
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    Feb 27th 2019, 5:59 PM

    @Cyril Butler: Unless Uber drivers have PSV licenses they are not garda vetted.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:22 PM

    @Joe Bloggs: Thats the point of taxi liberalisation. NCT, full licence and Garda clearance should and will mandatory to drive with Uber. With any system some undesirable drivers and some undesirable passengers in pool sharing will slip through the net. Still safer and more efficient than Dublinbus nitelink. Also dashcams should be mandatory. Ive taken Uber regularly in Capetown one of the most dangerous cities on Earth and never had a problem.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:23 PM

    @Joe Bloggs: BTW crime, incompetence, rudeness and deception is commonplace with Dublin taxis. I’ve had non taxi drivers pick me up in licenced cars, I’ve had taxis take me the scenic route home from the airport because I wasn’t paying attention (I shouldn’t have to) I’ve had religious nutjob drivers offering to pray to cure my stutter, I’ve had to double pay a driver who took another stranger at the airport the time of the snow which is in itself illegal. I rarely ever use taxis and yet that’s my experience. No point going into town in Dublin anymore. The nightlife economy and all jobs with it strangled because of something which can be easily remedied. Only taxi drivers are shouting safety. Every passenger wants Uber.

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    Mute Joe Bloggs
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:42 PM

    @Cyril Butler: First you said that all Uber drivers were garda vetted, then you said that they ‘should and will be’ vetted; which is it?

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:49 PM

    @Joe Bloggs: I said no driver will be allowed to carry passengers without being Garda vetted. Apologies if I didn’t make this absolutely clear before, though I thought I did. We don’t have liberalised Uber here yet but when we do, absolutely drivers will be vetted in the exact same way taxi drivers today are. Absolutely no one as arguing otherwise. It’s not difficult to do.

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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:19 AM

    @Cyril Butler: stop talking crap

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    Mute James Fox
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:57 AM

    Taxis in small towns are a law to themselves. Total monopoly. Work when they want. Answer to no one. Leave you standing on the side of the street for hours if they come at all for you.
    This new system would be great i think once it beds down and fine tuned after a few trials.

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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:17 AM

    I live in a rural area and two pubs had courtesy vehicles a few years back. The people they wanted to use them continued to use the car and people who had been using Taxis opted for a free ride. Some people as you see with the Healy Rea’s are not for changing.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:12 AM

    Uber will come in thru the backdoor as a solution for transport outside of cities and major towns. It is the only solution that will work in rural Ireland but that will be the beginning of the end in Ireland for taxis. In the usa, it has being 5+ years since I got a taxi. Ubers are more plentiful and far cheaper.

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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:20 AM

    @Lar Meyler: Uber in the US has been subject to investigations about how there are covering up sex crimes including rape and kidnapping just to keep the mighty buck rolling in

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:11 AM

    @DavidOReilly: There may be the odd incident in the MILLIONS of Uber rifes that happen yearly.

    Aside, didn’t a woman get raped by a tax driver last Christmas in BallsBridge?

    https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/woman-raped-in-a-taxi-after-leaving-christmas-party-37622062.html

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:17 AM

    @Lar Meyler:

    I’ll let others make up their own mind on Uber vs Taxi. Here is my Uber experience

    - Order Uber via App
    - App always shows me loads of Ubers close by
    - Uber trip price confirmed up from in full. I can choose to accept or decline
    - Uber price is typically 50% of equivalent taxi cost
    - Uber arrives within 5 mins
    - Have never had an over charging incident. Simply not possible.

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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:17 PM

    @Lar Meyler: how can people .make up their own mind here. Uber does not operate here. Regarding a driver raping someone in this country. The NTA does not then try to hide it pay buying off the victims

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:07 PM

    @DavidOReilly: Uber does operate here. Get your facts right, I use then. But they don’t yet operate in a true Uber model. It s just a matter of time though before they dol .

    The $$$ savings in my pocket matter much more to.me than what you highlight about Uber in the USA which hosts millions of Uber rides per year.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:17 AM

    I’ll let others make up their own mind on Uber vs Taxi. Here is my Uber experience

    - Order Uber via App
    - App always shows me loads of Ubers close by
    - Uber trip price confirmed up from in full. I can choose to accept or decline
    - Uber price is typically 50% of equivalent taxi cost
    - Uber arrives within 5 mins
    - Have never had an over charging incident. Simply not possible.

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    Mute neuromancer
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:13 PM

    @Lar Meyler: and is this based on an Uber being available in Leitrim at 3am, doubtful.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:10 PM

    @neuromancer: Yes if what happens in the USA is to go by and there is an actual need. The less the need, the higher the avg fare though. That is how it works, someone has to make money at the end of the day…

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    Mute neuromancer
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:30 PM

    @Lar Meyler: some people are too cheap to pay for taxi’s.

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    Mute Dave Barrett
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:44 AM

    Bring on the Drone taxi.

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    Mute Joe Bloggs
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:36 AM

    @Dave Barrett: the self-driving car will usher in a golden age of drink driving.

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    Mute Brian Fitzpatrick
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:07 AM

    Just let Uber in

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    Mute Carol Cunningham
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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:42 PM

    Only problem with rural Ireland is that pompous ass who is our minister for transport. The majority of the people disagreed with his new drink driving law but he was a law on to himself. What about a government who represents the people. Two friends got done at 1.30pm the next day after drinking the night before and they would not have been done under the old law: we cannot chew a wine gum now without going over the limit.

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    Mute Mike Rugby Nuts
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:45 AM

    Will someone go to Africa or Caribbean and find out how it’s done properly? Shared Route Taxis.

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:14 AM

    Or a system whereby the taxi/hackney/ or whatever has a spare driver who will also drive the car owner’s vehicle home if needed.

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    Mute Pius Flynn
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:03 AM

    How stupid are the idiots commenting on here,
    the real problem with these stupid laws is not getting home at night the problem is you can’t go to work in the morning. Village transport service is not going to sort out that.
    These laws need to be changed now.
    All sensible people need to remember this when the next election comes round.

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    Mute James Wallace
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:16 AM

    @Pius Flynn: so you’re saying the laws need to be changed so you personally can drunk drive in the mornings?

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    Mute Tony Stack
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:25 AM

    @Pius Flynn: unless its the weekend and you have no work in the morning.

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    Mute Dave Harris
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:56 AM

    @Pius Flynn:
    you mean you go to work still hammered? That’s bloody brilliant that is. God help the business you work at
    If you’re still drunk in the morning then that’s your silly fault and you are the only one to blame if you can’t drive, don’t be looking for the government to help you.

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    Mute Pius Flynn
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:51 PM

    @James Wallace: you are an idiot.
    I don’t drive under the influence of alcohol.
    Having a few drinks at night, having a nights sleep and going about your legitimate business in the morning is not too much to expect. I take it from your stupid comment that you are deluded enough to believe that these new laws are meant to affect road safety.
    Well I can assure you that nothing could be further from the truth.

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    Feb 27th 2019, 1:11 PM

    @Dave Harris: I don’t go to work hammered as you put it.
    I don’t drive under the influence of alcohol.
    And as for your concern for the business I work in, that business would be mine, and I’ve been running it for 35 years.
    Just because I sometimes like to have a drink at night and still go to work the next morning, it doesn’t, or at least it shouldn’t, make me a criminal.

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    Mute Carol Cunningham
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    Feb 27th 2019, 4:02 PM

    @James Wallace: obviously you do not take a drink but I can assure you that when driving the next morning, even if the alcohol is still in your system, you are sober. Just how many people have caused accidents the next day with alcohol in their blood. They do not show the stats on that!!!

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    Mute Anne Warren
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:20 PM

    back in the day in Belfast the Falls Road Black taxis showed us how to do it – you paid a bus fare, crammed in and got off at your nearest point on the Falls road.

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    Mute Kieran Gary
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:14 AM

    If we could get insurance or should I say affordable insurance

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