Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2010
321 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the target date for 10% of the taxi fleet to be wheelchair accessible; if he is considering any initiatives such as a scheme for an exemption from vehicle registration tax for the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31092/10]
View answerThe provision of a scheme of VAT and/or VRT relief for wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) was considered by my Department and the Department of Finance late last year. However, having regard to the EU prohibition on new schemes to refund VAT, it was considered that it would not be feasible to narrow the tax base by introducing a VRT relief scheme for WATs.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation (CTR) has submitted a proposal for a grant scheme to incentivise the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys, based on a target of 10% accessible taxi and hackney fleet. I have referred the CTR proposal to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for its consideration and decision.
The NTA, which has responsibility for public transport investment in the Greater Dublin Area, will consider the proposal having regard to available funding (including its Exchequer capital allocation), priorities for investment and the enhancement of accessibility for transport services in the Greater Dublin Area.
322 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation to facilitate an appeals process for drivers within the taxi regulatory system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31093/10]
View answerRegulation relating to the control and operation of small public service vehicles (SPSVs) is governed by section 82 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Currently administration of the necessary SPSV drivers licence is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Section 35 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 will be commenced when the functions on driver licensing are transferred from the Garda Commissioner to the Commission for Taxi Regulation. This will provide that persons, who are refused a licence by a licensing authority (i.e. the Commission or the Gardaí), may appeal to the District Court. Appeals may also be made where licences are suspended or revoked.
I have no plans to introduce additional legislation in this regard.
