Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
1083. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of taxis that have wheelchair access; if wheelchair accessible taxis will be exempt from the nine year rule due to the high cost involved in replacing this type of taxi; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of communication between the Taxi Regulator and taxi drivers on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26841/13]
View answerThe regulation of the taxi industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. The NTA is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011.
The NTA carried out a consultation on vehicle standards as part of the Taxi Regulation Review which gave rise to recommendations for strengthening vehicle standards. Action 10 of the Review Report recommends retention of the 9 year vehicle age limit that applies at licence issue or renewal for all new vehicles entering the fleet. For existing vehicles in the fleet licensed prior to 1 January 2009, these can operate up to the 15th anniversary of each vehicle's first registration.
Other measures recommended in the Taxi Regulation Review Report propose improvements with regard to the accessible SPSV services. Action 20 involves a review of existing specifications for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) with a view to the possible introduction of a wider range of lower cost vehicles thereby assisting in supply and availability of WAVs. In addition, Action 18 of the Review Report, proposing a single contact centre for ordering wheelchair accessible taxi services, which will facilitate better access to and use of the existing WAVs. I'm informed that there are currently 1,023 active wheelchair accessible taxi licences.
The NTA is progressing these measures and I anticipate delivery on these Actions later this year.
