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

Question 258: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the taxi companies used by his Department and State agencies under the aegis of his Department has a minimum percentage of taxis which are accessible for people with disabilities and wheelchair users; the amount expended by his Department and State agencies on taxi hire each year from 2003 to date in 2008 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7927/08]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that over 10% of the cars operated by the main taxi company used by my Department are wheelchair accessible. This company also has a policy of encouraging its drivers when changing their vehicles to take the accessibility issue into consideration. Furthermore, I understand the company operates a waiting list for new drivers and gives preference to drivers with wheelchair accessible vehicles off this list.

The taxi companies used by the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for the agencies themselves.

Expenditure by my Department on taxi hire for 2003 and 2004 is not readily available. Expenditure from 2005 to date in 2008 is set out in the following table:

The National Museum and National Library were part of my Department until May 2005 when they were established as separate entities but the expenditure by those bodies in that period is not readily available in my Department.