Madam, - I refer to Dr Muiris Houston's article concerning injuries suffered by wheelchair users while travelling in taxis (Health Supplement, July 17th).
I have a vehicle which has been adapted for my use. My wheelchair goes into the vehicle and I am well anchored while travelling.
Undoubtedly there are taxis that are not suited to the needs of people with disabilities due to badly designed ramps and a lack of securing-points within the vehicle. But it is important to point out that these issues are not the only cause of injury to people with disabilities, in particular those with spinal injuries such as I have.
Most of the discomfort and pain I experience while travelling in my own vehicle - which is similar to the wheelchair-accessible vans used by many taxi drivers around the country - is due to the fact that these vehicles are commercial vans and not cars, or even mini-buses. The suspension is rock-hard and every stone on the can road be felt vibrating through the van, through the wheelchair and ultimately through my body, particularly my spine. Few companies in Ireland make modifications to these commercial vans so the choices open to a person with a disability are limited.
My van is a basic popular commercial vehicle which at today's prices, bought new, would cost about €20.000. The cost of the vehicle to me - adapted - was more than €36,500. The VRT and VAT refunded to me was minimal because the vehicle is classed "commercial".
May I invite your motoring correspondent to take a test drive in my vehicle? The review would be interesting. - Yours, etc,
PADDY DOYLE, Ardagh, Co Longford.