Vol. 474 No. 6
47 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine his views on when the inquiry into the sinking of the fishing vessel Jenalisa will be completed; and if he will have a member of his staff liaise with the families in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2851/97]
Following the tragic accident involving the fishing vessel Jenalisa on 4 February 1996, it was decided to raise the wreck of this vessel in order to progress the investigation into its sinking. A number of tests and experiments have been carried out by the marine survey office of my Department in order to try to establish how the accident happened.
The present position is that the marine survey office is awaiting a stability assessment of the vessel which I am advised should be completed shortly. Once this has been completed a report will be finalised and made available subject to normal legal considerations.
Since the accident happened, the Department has had a number of inquiries from the bereaved relatives and has kept them fully informed of progress in the investigation. A designated Department official, or officials, will maintain regular contact with the families.
