John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will examine ways of improving access and affordability to small public service vehicles for people with disabilities as recommended to his Department by the Taxi Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3496/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Taxi Regulation was established as an independent public body in September 2004 under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The objectives of the Commission under the Act include the promotion of access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In this regard, it is understood that the Commission has been in communication with the Department of Social and Family Affairs regarding the possibility of an extension of the travel concessions available to passengers with disabilities on other forms of public transport being made available to passengers in taxis and hackneys. Consideration of such a proposal is primarily a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation has also 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. A final decision will be made on the subsidy scheme proposal as soon as possible having regard to the overall budgetary context.