David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Transport the procedures in place to ensure that wheelchair users are not denied the use of wheelchair accessible taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9344/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The operation and licensing of wheelchair accessible taxis and their drivers is controlled through the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 2002. The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1998, S.I. No. 47 of 1998, set out the vehicle requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis. These regulations also make it clear that a space for a wheelchair and its occupant must be available in a wheelchair accessible taxi at all times while the vehicle is standing and plying for hire. Enforcement of this requirement is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána.

A specific objective of the Commission of Taxi Regulation is to promote access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In this regard, the commission is tasked with the determination of future policy in relation to accessible taxis. The commission has recently commenced a public consultation process on the development of a new code for the regulation of small public service vehicles, including wheelchair accessible taxis and their drivers. This review will have a particular emphasis on the establishment of a qualitative and consumer oriented licensing system.