123 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his response to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) arising from a consultation paper by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7252/02]

The purpose of the consultation paper RST 20/62 is to elicit comments and submissions from interested parties by 30 April 2002 on a range of issues with a view to the future development of further qualitative improvements in taxi services. The consultation paper has been prepared against the background of the liberalised regime of taxi licensing and the stated policy that, by end 2003, the process will commence of making all taxi vehicles wheelchair accessible.