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[Article] Garda probe into bus 'backhanders'

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01-10-2003 11:25pm

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Victor

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Garda probe into bus 'backhanders'
From:The Irish Independent
Wednesday, 1st October, 2003
Geraldine Collins

THE garda fraud squad is investigating allegations of cash payments made to Bus Eireann employees by private coach operators to get lucrative contracts.

The Department of Transport referred its investigation into the claims, which were reported in the Irish Independent last year, to the garda commissioner.

An inquiry by the fraud squad is in the initial stages and it is understood some statements have been taken from coach operators.

Solicitor Brian Lynch from Galway confirmed yesterday that the fraud squad is investigating the claims on foot of a report from the Department of Transport.

Mr Lynch represents the man who went public with the allegations, John Horan of Horan Coaches in Mountmellick, Co Laois.

Bus Eireann spokesman Cyril McIntyre said he could not comment on garda matters but he reiterated that Bus Eireann had investigated the allegations and found them to be "entirely without foundation."

A number of bus operators other than Mr Horan had made statements to Mr Lynch about cash payments to get contracts.

The allegations centre around profitable contracts for school runs and other regular business contracted out by Bus Eireann.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport said a complaint had been received and was referred, on legal advice, to the gardai.

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