Austin Deasy
Question:40 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will set up a monitoring system within his Department to keep relatives of victims of tragedies at sea informed of the inquiries being carried out into such incidents.
Written Answers. - Serious Marine Incident Investigations.
Investigations into all serious marine incidents are carried out by the Department in order to identify the causes of a casualty and to recommend on any remedial measures deemed appropriate.
In February 1992 a policy decision was taken that, subject to legal constraints, the reports of investigations into marine accidents would be published in future. The process of investigation and final completion of a report prior to publication can be a protracted one for a variety of legal and other reasons. I am, however, acutely conscious of the human element and sensitivities involved in such cases, particularly where there has been loss of life. I have therefore asked officials to ensure that arrangements are put in place to keep bereaved relatives informed and reassured during the inquiry process and to advise them of timetables for and delays which may unavoidabley occur in the finalisation of such reports.