Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1069. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce an incentive scheme for the provision of a greater amount of fully accessible taxi and hackney services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46989/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Since 2010, under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Wheelchair Accessible Hackneys and Wheelchair Accessible Taxis —Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2010, new taxi or hackney licences are granted only where the vehicle complies with the specifications for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).

As the Deputy may be aware, there is already a WAV scheme in place for taxis and hackneys which is administered by the NTA. This scheme offers grants, on a sliding scale, of up to €10,000 for purchase or conversion of a WAV. I have no plans to introduce an additional incentive scheme in this area.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the current situation in respect of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.