Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 2

Written Answers. - Taxi Licences.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

18 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the details of his proposals that all taxi vehicles will be wheelchair accessible by the end of 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10063/01]

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

100 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the situation regarding taxi operators; if it is proposed that all taxi operators will have to have wheelchair accessible taxis; if so, when this will be required by regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10311/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 100 together.

In the context of the new taxi licensing regime, it has not been practicable to provide for a universal requirement of wheelchair accessibility in the short-term given that early and rapid progress is needed to respond to customer demand for taxis. However, in recognition of the need to promote and incentivise the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis, the fee for the grant of a new wheelchair accessible taxi licence has been fixed at £100, with a £5,000 fee for ordinary taxi licences. I have put on record my intention that, by end 2003, the process will commence of making all taxi vehicles wheelchair accessible.

I have also indicated that it is intended to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, of disabled persons, of taxi service providers and others, to develop further quality improvements for taxi services for the benefit of both the service providers and the general public alike. I am aware of concerns in relation to the current specification for a wheelchair accessible taxi and the quality improvements referred to may include, if appropriate, further revision of the existing specification for wheelchair accessible taxis.