Explanatory note

This Order brings into operation sections 37 and 38 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (“the Act”).

Section 37 of the Act imposes a duty on taxi drivers to carry in their taxis a guide dog, hearing dog or other prescribed category of dog when it accompanies the hirer. It also provides for a taxi driver to be exempted from that duty on medical grounds if a certificate of exemption has been issued to him by the Department of the Environment (“the Department”).

Section 37 of the Act comes into operation on 1st June 2001 for the purpose of enabling the Department to deal with applications for exemptions and the prescription by the Department of the notice of exemption. It comes into operation on 1st August 2001 for all other purposes.

Section 38 of the Act provides for a right of appeal against the refusal of the Department to issue a certificate of exemption. This section comes into operation on 1st June 2001.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland, Road Transport Licensing Division, 148-158 Corporation Street, Belfast, BT1 3DH (telephone 028 9025 4100, fax 028 9025 4003). A copy has been placed in the library of the Northern Ireland Assembly.