Bus Éireann report finds no evidence of misconduct in procurement process
A Bus Éireann report has concluded that there is no evidence to support allegations of misconduct by several employees.
The report, published today, was requested jointly by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Education and Skills, due to recent media articles that carried claims of alleged wrongdoing in the awarding of school transport contracts.
"Following an investigation into the allegations the company found there was no basis for these, and as a result no further action has been taken in relation to them," said a statement from the company.
"Bus Éireann have again re-iterated that anyone with evidence of any alleged malpractice with regard to school transport contracts, should bring this to the attention of An Garda Síochána."
"It should be noted that the individuals raising the allegations of corruption claim to have evidence, which they have withheld since 2012.
"If such evidence exists it is incumbent upon these individuals to bring it to the attention of the proper authorities.
"Bus Éireann carried out a prompt and thorough investigation into the allegations which it received, and the company is satisfied with its conclusions."
Bus Éireann management appeared at the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Transport and Communications on May 7, in relation to the operation of the school transport procurement process.
The company said it was advised that the issue could not be discussed on foot of legal advice to the committee.
The committee was not legally permitted to view or discuss the report during the session, and as a result they referred it to An Garda Síochána, as they felt the matter was outside their remit.
"Bus Éireann welcomed this referral and remains willing to co-operate fully with any further investigation," the statement concluded.
