Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The only reason this amendment cannot be accepted is that it makes a commitment from a financial point of view. I am working to ensure that what is proposed in the amendment happens. Section 19(2) states the authority will:

... promote the development of high quality cost effective services by small public service vehicles and their drivers which meet a wide range of customer needs including those of passengers with mobility or sensory impairments;

[...] promote access to and the availability and affordability of small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities;

[...] encourage investment to support and enhance the services offered by small public service vehicles and to promote innovation in this regard.

The amendment's proposal is already covered in this legislation.

There are other pieces to this jigsaw. The Deputy referred to bringing down the cost of wheelchair-accessible taxis. This is not covered by this legislation but there may be other avenues through which we can bring down these costs. I am committed to bringing all the jigsaw pieces together. I demonstrated my commitment already through changes I have made to the taxi advisory committee.

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