Support services in place for students, families

Three counselling and support services for people affected by Monday's bus crash near Navan have been put in place.

Psychologists and other support staff of the Health Service Executive (North East) have been made available.

Twelve school psychologists from the National Education Psychology Service (NEPS) were also available from early yesterday in the four schools that had students on the bus.

Bus Éireann, which operated the coach, has also organised an independent telephone counselling support service.

In a statement yesterday after a joint meeting of the various agencies involved, the HSE said a critical incident team had been established for each of the four schools.

"The role of the team will be to support children, parents and families, relatives, staff and all those who have been directly affected by this tragedy," it said.

Information and support sessions will also be provided for local communities, it added.

A spokeswoman for St Michael's Loreto Convent in Navan, which lost four students, said students and staff were in shock and great pain. Sr Mary O'Connor of the Loreto Education Trust Board said classes had been suspended for the next few days and that all focus was on providing help and support.

A prayer service was held yesterday morning at Beaufort College, where Sinéad Ledwidge, one of the victims, had been a pupil. The school had about 10 students on the bus.

Principal John Condon said a crisis intervention policy had been put in place and counselling services from the NEPS and Co Meath VEC were available.

He said the school was seeking to maintain some normality. Not all classes had been suspended.

The Bus Éireann independent counselling telephone support service can be contacted at 1800 490 390. The HSE information helpline: 1850 24 1850.