Vol. 489 No. 6
487 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the height regulations regarding doors and interiors of wheelchair taxis in view of the objections to the new regulations as expressed by the forum of people with disabilities; and if he will meet this group with a view to changing the regulations to meet the needs of the disabled. [8630/98]
The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998, were designed to amplify and clarify requirements in relation to wheelchair accessible taxis and to facilitate the expansion and improvement of the fleet of vehicles operating for this purpose.
While my Department has not been approached by the Forum of People with Disabilities in relation to these regulations, it has had discussions on them with a number of other organisations concerned with the disabled community. The Dublin Taxi Forum will also shortly receive a presentation from the Irish Council of People with Disabilities. My Department remains open to further discussion with interested parties in relation to the ongoing improvement of taxi services for people with disabilities.
