David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in accordance with his Department's sectoral plan, all the measures regarding accessibility, affordability and availability of taxis and hackneys for people with disabilities have been completed and are in place; if not, the amount that remains to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35879/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The objectives of the Commission for Taxi Regulation include the promotion of access to small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines) by persons with disabilities.

The Commission published new national vehicle standards for small public service vehicles on 26 November 2007 including new requirements in relation to accessibility, involving a new category of wheelchair accessible hackney. The new vehicle standards will be given a statutory basis through revised regulations to be made by the Commission during 2008.

It is proposed that the new requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys will apply to all newly granted accessible vehicle licences from a date, to be determined, in 2008 and all existing accessible taxi licences from 1 January 2012.

The Commission and my Department are currently in discussion in relation to a proposed subsidy arrangement that would assist taxi and hackney operators in purchasing wheelchair accessible vehicles, which by their nature will cost significantly more than standard saloon cars.

The Commission has also made good progress on other commitments under the Department's Sectoral Plan Transport Access for All:

(1)The Commission has indicated that it is proposed that Dispatch Operators will be licensed during 2008 and will have a number of standards to meet prior to licensing, including accessible booking processes which are reasonable and practicable.

(2)A database of all licensed dispatch operators will be made available with contact details for booking small public service vehicles.

(3)All of the Commission's publications are available in Braille and large print and a consumer information guide is available on the Commission website and can be provided in accessible formats on request.

(4)A national complaints system is now in place and consumers can obtain a complaints form by telephoning the consumer line 1890 606090. When a form has been completed, the complaint is investigated by the Commission enforcement team.

(5)Regulations have also been put in place to ensure guide dogs are carried by vehicle licence holders.

The Commission has commenced an audit of taxi ranks and hopes to develop revised guidelines for ranks following completion of the audit, these guidelines will address the concerns of persons with disabilities.