Part-time taxi drivers may be barred from operating in the industry under new laws to be announced later this year.
Around 10,000 taxi-drivers who bought new licences since the trade was liberalised will also have to undergo compulsory training courses as part of a series of measures aimed at improving standards in the industry.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, is expected to announce the plans shortly which will help quell anger among taxi unions who say members are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living.
Legislation establishing the Office of the National Taxi Regulator on a statutory basis is also due to be published in the coming weeks.
The office, expected to be running within six months, will take over the powers of the Minister and local authorities by issuing licences, setting fees and establishing dress codes for drivers.
Mr Brennan told The Irish Times that numbers in the taxi industry had soared from 4,000 to 14,000 since liberalisation, and he wanted to end the "jungle-type" atmosphere in the profession.
"The industry was blown apart by the courts and we need to professionalise it and put a stamp on it. There's no question of rolling back on the number of licences, but I'm determined to ensure there are strong entry rules and regulations."
He also said there was concern at the number of part-time drivers, and he would examine ways of addressing this issue.
"It's a full-time job and there should a good living in it for those who offer a full-time service."
Mr Brennan said money from a €15 million hardship scheme to assist taxi drivers or their dependants with large debts from the purchase of taxi plates prior to liberalisation would be paid out in the coming weeks.
The size of the fund has been criticised by a European Parliament committee which branded the Government's scheme as "inadequate" and "derisory" and recommended that the Minister submit new proposals to Government.
The Minister said there was no question of compensation solely for the loss of value of a licence, but said the Government recognised that liberalisation had led to financial hardship among taxi-licence holders.
As well as the permanent taxi regulator, the legislation will provide for a taxi advisory council which will advise the regulator.
The Office of the Taxi Regulator will be funded out of money generated from the purchase of licences. Local authorities are estimated to have earned around €50 million since liberalisation.
Plans for entry standards for new drivers follow recommendations of the interim taxi regulator, Mr Jimmy Farrelly, who was appointed last year.
