188 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps he is taking to deal with the ongoing reports of people with disabilities being unable to access taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16231/01]

In the context of the establishment of a new taxi licensing regime, it has not been practi cable to provide for a universal requirement of wheelchair accessibility in the short-term given that early and rapid progress is needed to respond to current customer demand for taxis. In recognition of the need to promote and incentivise the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis, the fee for the grant of a new wheelchair accessible taxi has been fixed at £100, with a £5,000 fee for ordinary taxi licences. I have also put on record my intention that, by end 2003, the process will commence of making all taxi vehicles wheelchair accessible.

I am aware of the concerns referred to in the question and in relation to the current specification for a wheelchair accessible taxi. I have indicated that it is intended to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, of disabled persons, of taxi service providers and others, to develop quality improvements for taxi services in the medium term. These may include, if appropriate, further improvements of the existing specification for wheelchair accessible taxis. My Department intends to finalise a consultation document in the near future.