Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 322: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the shortage of wheelchair accessible taxis for people with disabilities; the percentage of taxi cabs which are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23665/06]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 established the Commission for Taxi Regulation as the independent body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles, including taxis, and their drivers. One of the specific objectives given to the Commission in the 2003 Act is to promote access to small public service vehicles by people with disabilities.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation has published a detailed Action Plan 2006-2007, Driving Forward, which sets out a range of changes the Commission proposes to make over the next two years in relation to the control and regulation of taxis, hackneys and limousines and their drivers. Among the specific proposals being developed by the Commission are measures aimed at improving accessibility. I understand that in July 2006 a further consultation process will be undertaken by the Commission in relation to vehicle standards, with a particular emphasis on improving accessibility.

The Sectoral Plan for Transport under the Disability Act 2006 is currently being finalised for presentation to the Houses of the Oireachtas by end July 2006, as required by the Act. The Plan will also set out a programme for action on accessibility in a number of key transport areas, including the taxi and hackney sector.

Data in relation to the overall number of taxis licensed to operate and the percentage of that total that are wheelchair accessible taxis is available from the Commission for Taxi Regulation.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 323: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures he intends to introduce to ensure the availability of wheelchair accessible taxi cabs for people with disabilities under his Departments outline sectoral plan for the disabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23666/06]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 established the Commission for Taxi Regulation as the independent body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles, including taxis, and their drivers. One of the specific objectives given to the Commission in the 2003 Act is to promote access to small public service vehicles by people with disabilities.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation has published a detailed Action Plan 2006-2007, Driving Forward, which sets out a range of changes the Commission proposes to make over the next two years in relation to the control and regulation of taxis, hackneys and limousines and their drivers. Among the specific proposals being developed by the Commission are measures aimed at improving accessibility. I understand that in July 2006 a further consultation process will be undertaken by the Commission in relation to vehicle standards, with a particular emphasis on improving accessibility.

The Sectoral Plan for Transport under the Disability Act 2006 is currently being finalised for presentation to the Houses of the Oireachtas by end July 2006, as required by the Act. The Plan will also set out a programme for action on accessibility in a number of key transport areas, including the taxi and hackney sector.