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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 3

Written Answers. - Investigation into Trawler Collision.

Question:

122 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine the progress to date of the investigations into the incident between the Orchidee and Agena on 22 September 1992, that resulted in the loss of two lives; the nature of the co-operation being sought from the French authorities; his views as to whether they are helping in a full and timely fashion; if he has sought the opinion of the Chief State Solicitor's Office; if so, if he will give details of the issues raised with the Chief State Solicitor's Office; when this matter was sent to the Chief State Solicitor's Office; when it was returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

David Andrews

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

The investigation into the collission between the Irish trawler Orchidee and the French trawler Agena has been largely completed but cannot be finalised until the French authorities are in a position to forward their response to questions posed by the Department's Marine Surveyor and to permit him to interview the crew of the French trawler.

The French authorities are conducting a judicial inquiry into the casualty. The complex legal nature of the French proceedings have, to date, prevented the French authorities from meeting our information requirements, although we have their assurances that they will be met as soon as their procedures allow. The Department, with the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Paris, is regularly pressing the French authorities for progress. I can advise the Deputy that embassy officials are meeting relevant French officials again this week in a further effort to expedite matters.
In addition to pursuing our concerns through diplomatic channels the Department has been in regular contact with the Chief State Solicitor's Office. In particular, legal advice has been sought and obtained on a number of related issues and the Department is proceeding in line with that advice.
The Department will continue to use all possible avenues to advance matters with the French authorities so that we can finalise our own investigations without further undue delay. I am particularly conscious of the understandable concerns of the bereaved relatives in this case. The Department is in regular contact with the families and will continue to advise them of developments as they arise.
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