Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----and the centralisation of health services in regional centres, older people and those with mobility difficulties have to travel long distances to access outpatient and inpatient services. Ambulance services and the supplementary welfare system have withdrawn their support in providing such transport. People are forced to use private transport to get to these appointments - namely, taxis. The Minister has hit the nail on the head in saying that the issue of the specifications of wheelchair-accessible taxis needs to be urgently addressed. Will he consider the proposal concerning VRT exemption and discuss it with the Minister for Finance? Such an exemption would take pressure off wheelchair users in having to look for the tax relief for themselves and it may be cost-neutral to the Exchequer.

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