The American driver of the tourist car involved in a collision with the State car of Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Ó Cuív, on the Ring of Kerry near Killarney last November has been charged with dangerous driving.
Mr John Corbett (56), from St Louis, Missouri, was on his honeymoon with his wife, Ms Teresa Corbett, when he was involved in the crash near Torc Waterfall on November 15th.
Mr Corbett spent three weeks in hospital in Kerry with serious injuries and flew back by air ambulance to St Louis for further treatment in early December.
A former fire-fighter, he now works as a union official and has been president of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters for 18 years. He is still recovering from his injuries. The couple were travelling in a rented car towards Killarney when they were involved in the collision with Mr Ó Cuív's car which was travelling in the opposite direction to an appointment in west Cork.
Five people, including the Minister, who suffered minor injuries and shock, and his secretary, were hospitalised after the crash. Mr Ó Cuív's car burst into flames after the impact.
Fire officers had to use cutting equipment to free the Corbetts from their car which was severely damaged. Ms Corbett, a floral designer, spent 11 days in hospital.
A file had been sent to the DPP and the recommendation was to proceed with the charge. The case is scheduled for March in Killarney. The Garda press office yesterday confirmed that a summons had been issued.