I can assure the Deputy I am conscious of the deep distress experienced by the relatives and friends of the deceased in such tragic circumstances. The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in relation to the management of Garda investigations or indeed, the prosecution or trial of charges. I am, however, assured by the Garda authorities that the fatal collision referred to was the subject of a thorough examination by experienced Garda investigators and specialised personnel which included a detailed forensic examination of the scene, the gathering and analysis of witness accounts and technical examination of the vehicles. I am informed that a comprehensive and detailed file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consideration who, in this case, returned a direction of prosecution of an individual for having no insurance and for failing to produce insurance documents. As the Deputy will appreciate, the DPP is independent in the exercise of prosecutorial functions and I have no role in this regard.
