Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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587. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of wheelchair accessible taxis in the taxi fleet as an absolute number and as a percentage of the overall taxi fleet; the actions he is taking to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the taxi fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50544/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

In order to support an increase in the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in Ireland's SPSV fleet, licences for new taxis or hackneys will only be granted in respect of WAVs. This requirement was introduced in 2010.

To supplement this measure, the NTA administers a WAV Grant Scheme, which offers grants on a sliding scale from €2,500 to €7,500. The set amounts awarded by grants through this scheme aim to align with the cost difference in purchasing a WAV or converting a vehicle to fulfil the WAV requirements. This scheme is open to all SPSV drivers, with grants offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

I remain committed to increasing the number of WAVs within our SPSV fleet and supporting the NTA in the administration of the WAV Grant Scheme.

In relation to your question on the statistics as regards the accessibility of the taxi fleet in Ireland, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. I ask the Deputy to advise my private office if she does not receive a response within ten working days.