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

Question 272: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the taxi companies used by his Department and State agencies under the aegis of his Department have 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. [7938/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department has a contract with National Radio Cabs for the provision of a taxi service in the Dublin area. This company has 780 taxis in its fleet, 80 of which are wheelchair accessible. I understand this company encourages its drivers when changing vehicles to take accessibility issues into consideration. It operates a waiting list for those wishing to join the company and gives preference to wheelchair accessible vehicles. About 10% of its fleet consist of disabled accessible vehicles.

Details of expenditure on taxis by my Department since 2003 is as follows:

The five statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, the Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle), the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of my Department. The attached table contains the information sought regarding those bodies.