Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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82. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated cost associated with refunding vehicle registration tax and VAT to taxi drivers who purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12159/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners on the basis of information available, it is not possible for Revenue to provide an estimate of the cost for the Deputy's suggested proposal.

VRT on cars is calculated using the level of CO₂emissions of each car and the open market selling price. The VRT rate charged varies from 14% to 36% and the current standard rate of VAT is at 23%. The cost of such a scheme would therefore be dependant on both the open market selling price of a wheelchair accessible vehicle and the number of vehicles involved in such a scheme.

The Deputy may wish to note that the National Transport Authority provides a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme to support the wider availability of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) in Ireland's taxi fleet. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme offers financial grant and training assistance, nationwide, of up to €10,000 for the purchase or conversion of a new WAV and a sliding scale, with lesser monies being available for older cars. Cars older than 6 years will not qualify for this Scheme. Details of the scheme can be found at

There are currently 889 licensed wheelchair accessible taxis and 37 licensed accessible hackneys.