Vol. 429 No. 1
99 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if, following the clearance of an agent of CIE (details supplied) implicated in an allegation of shortfall in rail tickets remittance, he has inquired about possible alternative causes of the shortfall in remittance; and if he will give details of the explanation given to him by CIE.
I have been informed by the Chairman of CIE that when this matter first came to light he immediately initiated a detailed investigation into Iarnrod Éireann's arrangements for the issuing of tickets to agents. This investigation which was conducted by the Group's external auditors in conjunction with the CIE Internal Audit team identified a potential loss to Iarnrod Éireann of up to £250,000.
In the light of the content of the External Auditors Report, the matter was then referred by the Chairman to the Garda Authorities for examination. I understand that the Garda Síochána Fraud Squad investigation into the matter has recently been completed and that the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to issue proceedings in this case.
However, I am advised that the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions not to issue proceedings does not alter the position as between the former agent concerned and Iarnrod Éireann which is that it is a matter for the agent and its legal advisers to decide if it wishes to pursue the matter further from a legal point of view.
