Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for outlining what the plan entails. We must have aims and goals and I am of the view that the plan is a good one. Unfortunately, we do not always achieve the aims and goals that are set down. There are a number of aspects of the plan which are extremely negative. Dublin Bus has made significant strides forward and massive progress has been made in the area of transport in general. I am concerned, however, with regard to wheelchair-accessible taxis. One of the recommendations in the relevant review was that all taxis should be wheelchair accessible. That is an ambition which probably will not be achieved in the near future. Wheelchair-accessible taxis have a 15-year lifespan and many of them are approaching the end of this at present. Such vehicles cost a large amount of money to replace. If someone's vehicle ends up on the scrapheap after 15 years, he or she will be obliged to purchase a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle and that will cost him or her a fortune. This is a matter to which the Minister of State will be obliged to give careful consideration because the need to replace vehicles will prove a real disincentive for people. Should we not examine the possibility introducing an incentive - perhaps a write down of VAT, VRT or whatever - for those who will be obliged to change their vehicles?

I also wish to refer to the cuts in the disability and mobility grants. These cuts will have a very significant effect on those who live in rural areas in particular because they are obliged to travel long distances to reach various destinations. Will the Minister of State comment on that matter? Will he also outline his view on the position with regard to the motorised transport allowance?

A large number of people are members of the public transport accessibility committee. How will this committee go about doing its work? Will it monitor what is going on in the various Departments with responsibility for transport, housing, etc.?