Bus Éireann: Corruption allegations 'not substantiated by any evidence'

Bus Éireann has today denied recent allegations of corruption, saying that claims made by a former contractor are " not substantiated by any evidence".

Bus Éireann: Corruption allegations 'not substantiated by any evidence'

Bus Éireann has today denied recent allegations of corruption, saying that claims made by a former contractor are " not substantiated by any evidence".

It follows a report in the Irish Mail On Sunday, which claims it has a secret recording of a meeting between a whistleblower and a Bus Éireann official which casts serious doubt on an internal inquiry at Bus Éireann.

The inquiry concerned alleged kickbacks for school transport contracts.

The statement from Bus Éireann read: "The allegations contained within the former contractor’s unsworn affidavit are not substantiated by any evidence produced to our investigation team to date.

"Since Bus Éireann became aware of these allegations on September 12, 2013, the company has thoroughly investigated the matter.

"We have repeatedly called on those making these allegations to furnish any material they might have to the Gardaí without delay.

"However in the intervening eight months, no evidence to support the allegations of misconduct by any Bus Éireann employee in relation to the tender process of school transport contracts has been given to the company or to our knowledge, to An Garda Siochana.

"We are at a loss to understand why such a delay has taken place.

"We are aware that a Garda investigation may commence into these allegations. Needless to say we will fully co-operate with the Gardaí in this regard.

"We have repeatedly written to the individuals and called on them to supply evidence to support the allegations.

"However to date no evidence has been provided to us, including any related to the charge that flights/holidays were being paid for in return for the awarding of school bus contracts.

"The former contractor has provided services for Bus Éireann for many years. So in conclusion we reiterate - if there is any evidence to support his allegations, we would ask him to give it to the Gardaí without delay."

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar, and junior ministers Alan Kelly and Ciaran Cannon, said that corruption is a criminal offence and they treat any such allegations extremely seriously.

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