Vol. 548 No. 2
317 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the black cab or London style taxi is not considered wheelchair accessible under his Department's guidelines, unlike other jurisdictions; if he will consider reviewing the regulations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4709/02]
I have recently announced the publication of a consultation paper prepared by my Department relating to the development of qualitative improvements in taxi services. The consultation paper has been prepared against the background of the liberalised regime of taxi licensing, the provisions of the Disability Bill and the stated policy that, by end 2003, the process will commence of making all taxi vehicles wheelchair accessible. I am inviting all interested parties to contribute to the consultation process which may lead to a revision of the existing specification for a wheelchair accessible taxi among other things.
While the vehicle in question may not comply with the current wheelchair accessible taxi specification, this does not preclude the holders of non-wheelchair accessible taxi licences applying for the use of the vehicle in question as an ordinary taxi, subject to compliance with normal taxi suitability and roadworthiness criteria.
Question No. 318 answered with Question No. 292.
