David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 566: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received a request to make funds available to subsidise the provision of accessible taxis; if and when he will make a decision on this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2363/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Taxi Regulation published new National Vehicle Standards — Requirements for Small Public Service Vehicles on 26 November 2007, which include new accessible vehicle standards for licensing as wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys.

My Department is in discussion with the Commission for Taxi Regulation in relation to a proposed subsidy arrangement to assist taxi and hackney operators with the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles that will meet the new accessible vehicle specification developed by the Commission. The recent announcement of the new accessible vehicle standards by the Commission facilitates further detailed examination of the proposal, which continues to be the subject of discussion with the Commission. A final decision will be made on the subsidy scheme proposal as soon as possible having regard to the overall budgetary context.