Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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216. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding taxi funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4548/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The regulation of the taxi industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. The NTA is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011.

The Taxi Regulation Review Report, 2011 made a number of recommendations aimed at addressing the lack of availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) to meet the transport requirements of people with a disability and reduced mobility. In particular, Action 20  of the Report recommended a review of existing specifications for WAVs to establish whether an adjustment to the current WAV standards would assist in increasing the supply and availability of WAVs.

The NTA has prepared draft taxi regulations that will consolidate and replace the existing regulations, in addition to some new regulations. The draft regulations include provisions relating to vehicle standards for WAVs aimed at introducing a wider range of lower cost vehicles with a view to increasing the supply and availability of WAVs. The NTA is currently conducting a public consultation on the draft regulations that will conclude on 31st January 2014.

The Mobility Allowance and Motorised Grant Scheme are the responsibility of the Minister for Health and the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Tax Concessions Scheme is operated by the Revenue Commissioners.