Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for this opportunity to raise the issue of the Kentstown bus crash. As we all know, almost three years ago five beautiful girls from County Meath lost their lives in that crash, which had a dreadful effect on their families, the local community and the whole country. Three years later that incident is still on everybody's minds. The families would like to get on with their lives. Two days ago they had hoped the inquest into the deaths of their five girls could eventually be heard following a court case relating to this incident. This court case has been postponed until next January. The other children involved in the accident and the families would like to see this case brought forward. They would like to put a chapter of their lives in its place. Until the inquest is heard, this will not happen.

Last night I met the five families together in one room. They made it clear they want the inquest to take place and asked me to read this letter on their behalf:

We, the parents of Lisa Callan, Sinead Ledwidge, Amy McCabe, Claire McCluskey and Deirdre Scanlon who lost their lives in the Kentstown bus tragedy would like to collectively put on record our disappointment and total frustration at the deferral of a scheduled court case relating to the bus accident.

It is just not acceptable that we as parents, our extended families, along with our neighbours' children who were affected by the bus crash and the local community have to wait another year to have an inquest on our loved ones.

We have suffered almost three long, hard years of hurt and pain. We have tried to get on with our lives, especially for our other children, but until such time that the inquests take place, this will never happen.

We do not accept the fact that a country such as ours does not have the court facilities or the judges available to proceed with the court case which would help bring an end somewhat to our grief and pain.

We are asking the Government and the Court Service to bring this case forward immediately.

I am aware that the president of the Circuit Court is examining the possibility of arranging an earlier hearing for this case and if an available date is identified it will be offered to the other parties. On humanitarian grounds I ask everybody to ensure this is done.

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