Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will go back to the conversation we were having on transport. I like the phrase “there is no stupid question”, so I will ask what could be a stupid and a blunt question. I will return to the private taxi drivers in cars that are wheelchair accessible. Why are they driving off when they see people in wheelchairs? Why are they turning people down when they realise they have a wheelchair? In my town, we have hackney services rather than taxi services. This means that they are not metered. On a Saturday night, they will pick up the people who are travelling 1 kilometre in order that they can get back out again and make as much money as fast as possible. However, metered taxis are different because the meter is just running. Is it a question of time, cost or what is the reason that private taxis are not taking the fares? Anyone can answer that.