Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I have not seen any report from the previous accident last year. The matter is with the Director of Public Prosecutions, out of which many issues arise. I made clear to the House that I cannot comment on that matter.

The 1932 Act is being redrafted. Over the past 15 years, the Act has been referred to by almost every political party in the House. I am determined to introduce a new Bill this year to replace the 1932 Act. However, just because it is an old Act does not mean it is a bad one. There can be many good provisions in an Act regardless of its age. There may be issues around the scale of fines. The Deputy is correct that the deterrents need to be greater. A new Act is required to regulate the bus industry so that the licensing system can operate more efficiently. However, the existing system is legally based, robust and must be observed.

In regard to the crash, I do not have information on what happened, nor would I expect to be given such information because it is a matter for the Garda Síochána. I must leave it to the Garda to determine what happened because many issues will arise in the investigation and it is best placed to make that judgment. From our perspective, it would be of no value for me to guess what may or may not have happened. No one will know what happened until the full investigation is completed.

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