Gay Mitchell
Question:458 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if all taxis are to become wheelchair accessible; if so, when this is likely to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8394/02]
Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.
Richard Bruton
Question:461 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the details of the regulations under which he plans to require all taxis to become wheelchair accessible; when these regulations will come into force; if the period of adjustment will be provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8524/02]
Bernard Allen
Question:476 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the discussions which have taken place with taxi organisations regarding the introduction of wheelchair accessible taxis; the advice which has been given to taxi owners who wish to change their vehicles in 2002 and are awaiting the regulations being introduced in relation to public service vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8888/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 458, 461 and 476 together.
On 21 November 2000 I announced my intention that the process of making all taxis wheelchair accessible will commence by end 2003 and I also indicated that I intended to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, of disabled persons and of taxi service providers and others to develop further quality improvements for taxi services for the benefit of both the service providers and the general public alike in the medium term.
I have recently announced the publication of a consultation paper to elicit comments and submissions from interested parties by 30 April 2002 on a range of issues with a view to the future development of further 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, 2001 and the already announced policy intentions on wheelchair accessibility.
Discussions regarding taxi licensing have taken place between my Department and a range of taxi and other interests on a number of occasions since 21 November 2000 when the new regulatory regime was introduced. The consultation paper, with particular reference to the wheelchair accessible taxi policy, was one of the issues dis cussed at the most recent meetings between officials of my Department and taxi group representatives held in February of this year and it is open to the groups to present their views in relation to the issues addressed in that paper.
It is intended to complete the consultative process, including subsequent assessment of submissions and the making of recommendations, by end 2002 to facilitate the commencement of appropriate regulatory reforms in 2003.