John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all the progress that has been made but I support what Deputy Ellis said in respect of 15-year lifespan which applies in respect of wheelchair-accessible taxis. This is an issue for taxi drivers in rural areas in particular. I was contacted by one driver who has a wheelchair-accessible vehicle but who cannot - as he would be obliged to do under the regulations - afford to purchase a new one. A number of people in rural areas will literally not be able to get out of their houses because there will not be enough suitable taxis available to transport them.