Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has made a decision in respect of the proposal by the office of the taxi commissioner for the introduction of a subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24274/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Taxi Regulation is completing an assessment of the submissions received to its consultation paper on vehicle standards for small public service vehicles. The consultation paper incorporated a number of proposed changes in vehicle specifications and standards, including in the area of accessibility. It is understood that the Commission has commenced a regulatory impact assessment on these proposals and continues to liaise with key stakeholders, and will publish revised vehicle specifications for small public service vehicles before the end of 2007.

While this process of public consultation is underway, my Department is in discussion with the Commission about an outline proposal for a draft subsidy scheme or some other mechanism to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys. The subsidy proposal and associated vehicle specification are still being researched and developed by the Commission. The proposal is to provide assistance with the purchase of a fully accessible small public service vehicle, the specification for which is being developed by the Commission.

Upon completion of the consultation process and the preparation and introduction of new and fully accessible vehicle standards by the Commission, with definitive associated costs, a final decision will be made on the subsidy scheme proposal.