Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2016
297. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) concerning the number of wheelchair taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20170/16]
View answerSince 2010 the regulatory framework for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) requires that new taxi or hackney licences may only be granted where the vehicle complies with the specifications for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).
There is a clear need to favour the issuing of licences to WAVs rather than for standard taxis or hackneys. The number of WAVs in Ireland compares very poorly by comparison with other jurisdictions. The effect of the low proportion of WAVs in the overall small public service fleet has translated into major difficulties for wheelchair users to obtain transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has introduced a number of initiatives to address the shortfall in WAVs including the introduction of new regulations permitting smaller vehicles to be used as wheelchair accessible taxis and a grant scheme to assist in the purchase of suitable vehicles.
I have referred your question to the NTA to provide some further detail on taxi licensing and the steps being taken to address the shortfall in WAVs. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
