Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

88. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that taxi drivers that install a taxi meter in a new vehicle void the warranty of that vehicle; his views on whether this is a serious issue for taxi drivers that purchase a vehicle that subsequently has mechanical issues but they are then not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27469/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle standards for taxis, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

I have, therefore, forwarded your correspondence to the Authority for consideration and direct reply. Please advise this office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the wheelchair accessibility of the taxi fleet; the impact this has on taxi drivers that purchase a non-wheelchair accessible taxi now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27470/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government contains commitments to support the greening of the SPSV fleet and to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. To this end my Department funds two vehicle purchase schemes administered by the National Transport Authority; the eSPSV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of electric vehicles, and the WAV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. A vehicle which is both fully electric and wheelchair accessible can avail of grant support from both schemes to a combined maximum of €32,500 per vehicle. This substantial level of support recognises both the higher costs of such vehicles and their necessity in meeting the needs of passengers who require wheelchair accessible vehicles

SPSV operators are encouraged to consider the grant assistance available when making a vehicle purchase. The schemes aim to incentivise drivers to choose vehicles which are fully electric, wheelchair-accessible, or both. There is no grant assistance available to drivers planning to purchase a non-wheelchair accessible internal combustion powered SPSVs.