Shocked students and teachers unite in grief

STUDENTS at Killina Presentation Secondary School were offered psychological support and counselling as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy that hit the school community yesterday.

Boys and girls from among the 460 students stood around in obvious shock and hugged each other as news of the road accident filtered through. By early afternoon, the death of one of their classmates was confirmed to them in small groups.

Chairman of the school's board of management Seamus Boland said the mood around the school was one of total shock.

"Our thoughts and concerns are with the parents and students," he said. Mr Boland said the school was kept open as they were advised the best option was to provide counselling and support for students from there. However, some parents arrived at the school to bring their children home.

"We must support each other as best we can and our advice from counsellors is to keep things as normal as we can. It's horrific for a young life to be lost like this. It's just so sad," he said.

Acting principal Carthagena Minnock spoke of the distress at news of third-year student Michael White's death.

"The staff and students are shocked and numbed. The sadness of the news has descended on us," she said.

Ms Minnock said the thoughts of the school community were with the parents of the students involved in the accident.

A prayer service was held at the school and local clergy described a mood of confusion and sadness, but they also said students displayed solidarity.

Staff of the National Educational Psychological Service and Health Service Executive (HSE) psychologists were at the school and will be available to students over the coming days.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin visited the school yesterday evening to meet school managers. She also met students being treated at the Midlands General Hospital in Tullamore and their parents.

HSE clinical psychologist Alex Carroll said individual and group counselling would be provided to students.

"We are also organising group counselling for parents to advise them how to deal with the aftermath," he said. "Parents and children are traumatised. We would advise children to stay close to their parents," he said.

Q&A

WHAT has happened since the 2005 Navan bus crash?

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has completed its investigation and will send a file to the DPP in the coming days.

It is understood it does not include any recommendations as to whether charges should be brought but this does not preclude the DPP taking legal proceedings.

The HSA investigation is understood to have concentrated on the road surface at the time of the accident, which followed heavy rain showers. They also considered warnings in place about road works.

Bus Éireann was charged in the District Court in February with being the owner of a vehicle, in a defective condition, that was a danger to the public. The case was adjourned to May 3. An investigation by the company will not be published until any legal proceedings are finalised.

Who is responsible for the school transport system?

The system is operated by Bus Éireann for the Department of Education and has a €152 million budget this year. It carries 140,000 primary and second-level pupils to school daily. Most travel on buses operated by Bus Éireann or private contractors.

Who regulates private bus operators?

The bus in yesterday's crash comes under the same regulations as the wider private transport industry. Private buses undergo an annual roadworthiness test and operators have to receive a licence.

What about Government commitment to upgrade the public school bus fleet?

Education Minister Mary Hanafin and Minister of State Síle de Valera, who is responsible for school transport, announced a €25 million investment in school transport safety last July. The target is to ensure every child has their own seat and a seat belt by the end of this year.

What prompted these plans?

The announcement was made two months after the Navan bus tragedy in which five girls were killed when the bus bringing them home from school on May 23 last year crashed.

What progress has been made?

All second-level students now travel on a one seat per child basis. A Bus Éireann spokesperson said the deadline should be comfortably achieved in respect of primary pupils.

It is understood 80% of the 2,300 private buses contracted under the school transport system have already been fitted with seat belts. Contractors' vehicles must have belts in place by the end of this year.

Compiled by Niall Murray.