Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received or sought an oral briefing from Dublin Bus regarding the causes of the Wellington Quay bus crash; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22702/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 and 425 together.

As I indicated in my reply to the Deputy on 5th June, Dublin Bus briefed my Department at the time on the Wellington Quay accident. Following the accident, CIE undertook a thorough safety review in 2004 to improve its safety system. The investigation of road traffic accidents, including bus accidents, is a matter for An Garda Síochána under the Road Traffic Acts. Following the Wellington Quay accident, it was investigated fully by An Garda Síochána and a prosecution was taken. The Court issued a judgment in the matter in February 2007. No prosecution was taken against Dublin Bus.

I am informed that the company has decided, following the verdict of the court and legal advice received, that it will not be publishing the report of its internal investigation and, therefore, my Department has not sought nor been given access to the report of the Dublin Bus internal investigation of the accident. Dublin Bus assures me that their Board continually reviews the company's standards and practices in the light of developments and in conjunction with the relevant authorities.