Departmental Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2008

Tuesday, 26 February 2008

Ceisteanna (238)

David Stanton

Ceist:

250 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the taxi companies used by his Department and State agencies under the aegis of his Department have a minimum percentage of taxis which are accessible for people with disabilities and wheelchair users; the amount expended by his Department and State agencies on taxi hire each year from 2003 to date in 2008 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7932/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Micheál Martin)

As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware the provision of taxis, which are accessible for people with disabilities and wheelchair users, is a matter for each taxi company and the Taxi Regulator. However, my understanding is that the main taxi company used by my Department and its Offices has approximately 10% of vehicles available for people with disabilities and wheelchair users.

The amount expended by my Department and its Offices on taxi hire since 2003 to date in 2008 is as follows:

Year	€
2003	48,306.50
2004	53,774.15
2005	40,511.23
2006	42,490.49
2007	45,298.50
2008	9,425.30

I am not in a position to provide similar information for the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department; such information falls within the day-to-day administration matters of the State Agencies concerned.