Vol. 544 No. 5
142 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if EU regulations require all taxis to be wheelchair accessible; the deadline for the implementation of these regulations; if assistance is available to drivers to purchase such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29335/01]
144 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if EU regulations require all taxis to be wheelchair accessible; the deadline for the implementation of such regulations; if assistance is available to assist drivers to purchase such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29379/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together.
There is no requirement in EU legislation which requires all taxis to be wheelchair accessible. I have indicated that it is my intention that the process of making all taxis wheelchair accessible will commence by end 2003. I have also made clear my intention to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, of disabled persons and 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 in the medium term.
It has not been the policy to provide grant assistance towards the costs of purchasing a suitable vehicle for taxi licensing purposes and there is no current proposal to change this position.
