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Taxi Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004

Thursday, 27 May 2004

Questions (91)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

74 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to be able to introduce proposals for improving the accessibility for wheelchair users in Dublin taxis. [15942/04]

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Written answers

The Government is committed in An Agreed Programme for Government to continue the process of making taxis wheelchair accessible. However, a number of complex issues concerning implementation of this accessible taxi policy have yet to be decided. These include improvements to the existing wheelchair accessible taxi specification to accommodate the greatest possible range of people, issues surrounding urban/rural needs and the cost of suitable vehicles. These issues will be addressed by the statutory Commission for Taxi Regulation, when established, as part of the development of new small public service vehicle standards.

The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 specifically provides that an objective of the Commission for Taxi Regulation is to promote access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In this regard, the commission will be tasked with the determination of the future policy on accessible taxis. It is envisaged that this will necessitate specific discussions with both disability and taxi representative groups. The commission will also determine the manner and timeframe for the implementation of the standards for accessible taxi services.

Pending the establishment of the commission, I have indicated to the advisory council to the commission that I am interested in its advice on a range of issues relating to quality enhancement and standards for small public service vehicles and their drivers, including general vehicle condition and appearance, and accessibility for persons with mobility and sensory difficulties.

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