Political reaction: President Mary McAleese last night expressed her shock at the bus tragedy that took the lives of five Co Meath schoolgirls.
The President, who is leading a trade mission in Seattle in the US, expressed her "shock and deep condolence" to the relatives.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern described the crash as an "appalling tragedy" and praised the emergency services for their response.
Tánaiste Mary Harney said her thoughts were with the local community which must be deeply shocked. She expressed her appreciation for the speedy and effective response of the hospitals and emergency services. She said every medical facility and all appropriate care and counselling required were being made available.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said last night that the crash must be investigated "independently and fully". He cancelled his attendance at the European Conference of Transport Ministers in Moscow and is returning home immediately.
The Minister said in a statement that it was with "great sadness" that he learned of the tragic accident. "I have spoken with the Taoiseach, the chairman of CIÉ, Dr John Lynch, senior officials of my Department and my colleagues, Ministers Mary Hanafin and Noel Dempsey. Obviously, an accident of this nature must and will be investigated independently and fully," he said.
"However, tonight our thoughts are with the children involved, their families and, in particular, those who have lost loved ones today."
Minister of State for Transport Ivor Callely said he learned of the accident "with deep shock". He said every resource was deployed to ensure an efficient rescue operation.
Fine Gael spokeswoman on education Olwyn Enright said her thoughts were with the families who had lost loved ones.
"An accident of such a serious nature, involving children returning home from school, is particularly tragic.
"The details surrounding this accident will have to be investigated to the fullest extent, but our immediate concern must be for those who are injured, and our thoughts are with all families touched by this dreadful accident."
Meath East TD Mary Wallace described the accident as a very serious tragedy for the families. She expressed particular concern about the fact the children were travelling on a school bus.
"There are parents everywhere dependent on the school transport system to bring their children home safely. This accident causes huge concern for all parents at this time."