Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sinking of Orchidee.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

242 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an incident at sea, south of The smalls, where the Irish trawler, the Orchidee, was allegedly rammed by a French trawler, the Agena, almost three years ago with a loss of two lives; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that following many representations from Deputy H. Byrne, an inquiry in now being held in France; if he intends that his Department will have an input into this inquiry; if he will ensure that the Irish Government will have a full-time observer at this inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11222/96]

Hugh Byrne

Question:

243 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine the current state of the legal process, both in Ireland and in France, investigating the sinking of the Orchidee which resulted in the loss of two lives; the plans, if any, he has to be represented at any legal proceedings in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10767/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.

The Department of the Marine has been monitoring developments in this case through regular contact with the Irish Embassy in Paris. I understand that the latest progress report from the Embassy indicates a likely date for the French Maritime Court proceedings of late June 1996. The Embassy expects to receive three weeks prior notice as soon as the formal date is set, and this will, of course, be conveyed immediately to the families involved, together with any other substantive information that may emerge.

I can tell you that the question of official Irish representation at the court hearing is being examined in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

I understand that civil proceedings in this case have been initiated in Ireland, but it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment in this regard.