Gay Mitchell
Question:92 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, he has to reduce the vehicle registration tax on wheelchair accessible taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/99]
Written Answers. - Vehicle Registration Tax.
I have no plans to reduce the vehicle registration tax on wheelchair accessible taxis. The matter has been considered on a number of occasions but the cost to the Exchequer could be substantial. As the Deputy will be aware from my reply to Parliamentary Question No 113 dated 21 April 1999, I understand that Dublin Corporation intends to issue a total of 820 wheelchair accessible taxi licences between now and the year 2001. I have also been informed that the demand for the initial batch of licences, which were advertised in the press last month, far outstripped the number of 350 required. The application of VRT has not affected the demand for such licences.