The Dublin bus driver charged in connection with the deaths of five people was remanded on continuing bail at the Dublin District Court today.
Mr Kenneth Henvey (46), from Whitethorn Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, will appear again before the court on November 5th.
Mr Henvey was charged last month with dangerous driving causing the deaths of five people at Wellington Quay on February 21st. His solicitor Mr Philip Tracy applied for legal aid on his behalf on the grounds that Mr Henvey had to support his wife and three children on social welfare payments of €225 a week and had also to make mortgage repayments of €780 each month.
Judge James Paul McDonnell granted the request. He asked the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for an explanation as to why some of the national media had broadcast the charges against Mr Henvey before he appeared in court last month. He also expressed concern that the DPP had not been legally represented during the original hearing.
Ms Grainne Glynn, representing the DPP, said he had taken notice of Judge McDonnell's concerns. However, she said, it was not normal practice for the DPP to be legally represented at such cases.
Judge McDonnell said: "This was a case when the DPP gave instruction that the accused be arrested and charged. The charges are serious charges... including a number of fatalities. Whether it be a Saturday, Sunday or ordinary working day, the state should be legally represented. I've said it before and I'll say it again."
Miss Glynn said the DPP had full confidence in the ability of the Gardai to bring the case to court and handle it with full discretion.
Mr Tracy expressed disappointment that the charges against his client had been publicised before the court appearance. "I thoroughly concur with the judge's comments," he said.
Ms Glynn said she would convey the judge's remarks to the DPP.
The bus crash at Wellington Quay was the worst accident in the history of Dublin bus. Five people were killed and 17 were injured when an out of service bus mounted the kerb and collided with a group of people queuing for a bus to Lucan.
PA