David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs 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 in 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23590/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has a contract with National Radio Cabs for the provision of a taxi service in the Dublin area. The company has indicated that it has 960 taxis in its fleet, 88 (9%) 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. Expenditure on taxi services by the Department in 2008 amounted to €46,151 and to date in 2009 (to 31 May) is €14,311. Taxi services are availed of by the Department only where it is considered to be absolutely necessary and the use of such services is monitored closely within the Department.