Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider further financial incentives to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the state’s taxi fleet. [57238/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003 . Among the principal functions of the NTA, as provided for under Section 9 of that Act, is the promotion of access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities.

It is a matter for the NTA to decide on the future approach to incentives for wheelchair accessible taxis in the light of the available funding and other priorities as regards supporting enhanced accessibility of public transport services generally, including bus, rail and taxi services.

While there has been a relatively low take-up of the previous grant schemes towards increasing the number of  wheelchair accessible taxis, I understand that the NTA will be reviewing this issue in early 2013. I would also point out to the Deputy that as part of the taxi review undertaken last year, it was decided to review the standards that are set for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis so that the cost of such a vehicle can be reduced. Similarly work is progressing on a single dispatcher for accessible services and will be piloted as part of this review by the NTA.