David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 196: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the taxi companies used by her Department and State agencies under the aegis of her Department have a minimum percentage of taxis which are accessible for people with disabilities and wheelchair users; the amount expended by her Department and State agencies on taxi hire each year from 2003 to date in 2008 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7936/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department does not have a contract with any particular taxi company. If a wheelchair accessible taxi is required, this will be requested when a taxi is being called for.

The amount expended on taxi hire by my Department each year from 2003 is as follows:

2003 — €5,626

2004 — €17,110 (This figure is inflated due to Ireland having the EU Presidency)

2005 — €9,222

2006 — €11,925

2007 — €9,889

2008 (to date) — €775

The position regarding the State Agencies is a matter for the Agencies themselves.