Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals to have 100% wheelchair accessible taxis in cities as promised in the Programme for Government in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3444/08]

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. This recognises the fact that by their very nature such accessible vehicles will cost more than standard saloon cars. The recent announcement of the new accessible vehicle standards by the Commission facilitates further detailed examination of the subsidy proposal, which continues to be the subject of discussion with the Commission. A final decision will be made on the proposal for a subsidy scheme as soon as possible having regard to the overall budgetary context.

The development of the new accessible vehicle standard by the Commission forms the basis for the further promotion of accessibility in taxi and hackney services, and will facilitate a first step in delivery on the Programme for Government commitment in relation to accessible taxi services.