Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Transport the way he expects to reach the Government's target of 10% of wheelchair accessible taxis by the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42732/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Commission for Taxi Regulation's new reform programme seeks to achieve a 10% target of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys. Since June 2010 new Small Public Service Vehicle licences are issued only in respect of wheelchair accessible vehicles and a new category of wheelchair accessible hackney was introduced. As part of its statutory remit the National Transport Authority is responsible for improved access to the transport system and in particular for public passenger transport access for persons with disabilities. In addition, the functions of the Commission for Taxi Regulation will be absorbed into the National Transport Authority by the end of the year.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation favours the provision of some financial assistance to wheelchair accessible licence holders to upgrade their vehicles by 2012. I have referred the Commission for Taxi Regulators's proposals to the National Transport Authority in March 2010 for its consideration and decision.

It will be a matter for the National Transport Authority to decide on the future approach to incentives for wheelchair accessible taxis in the light of available funding and other priorities as regards supporting enhanced accessibility on bus, rail and taxi services.