asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will make a statement on the circumstances surrounding the vessel Sharabaun which was delivered to its owner as being seaworthy, after a general inspection carried out by Bord lascaigh Mhara on 7 November 1979; if he is aware that the vessel had to be returned to the Malahide Boat Yard on 10 June 1980 for major repairs under the guarantee scheme and that since then, the owner has been without the use of the vessel; and if he will indicate when the owner will receive delivery.
Written Answers. - Sale of Vessel.
279.
The vessel "Sharabaun" was inspected by An Bord lascaigh Mhara surveyors and satisfactory sea trials took place prior to handing over to the owner. Any problems which subsequently developed were essentially between the owner and the builder. As legal proceedings have been instituted in the High Court by the owner of the vessel jointly against the builder, Malahide Shipyard Limited, and An Bord lascaigh Mhara the matter is sub judice and, therefore, I am not in a position to comment further on the situation.