Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of taxi contracts awarded by the HSE that include accessibility in their selection criteria in the tender process (details supplied); if in the tender process the HSE places extra weighting to taxi operators with accessible vehicles when awarding contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21636/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Details in relation to taxi contracts awarded by the HSE are a matter for that body which operates under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Health.

The Sectoral Plan, to which the Deputy refers, was published in 2013, and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) commenced operations the following year. The OGP, together with four key sectors (Health, Defence, Education and Local Government), assumed responsibility for sourcing all goods and services on behalf of the Public Service. In addition, the OGP also has responsibility for procurement policy and procedures. My Department has no role in the tendering process for transport services.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a provision whereby taxi companies who wish to bid for State procurement contracts must ensure that a minimum of 10% of their fleet is wheelchair accessible. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) is the lead agency in respect of this commitment.