Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Air Accident Investigations.

Brendan Daly

Question:

42 Mr. Daly asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when the air accident inquiry by the investigations branch of her Department into the Futura Boeing 737 accident at Shannon on 30 November 2000 will be concluded; the matters being investigated by the inspectorate; if there will be a public inquiry into the matter; if her attention has been drawn to the shock and distress caused to the passengers and crew of the aircraft and the public anxiety regarding the accident; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1180/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The air accident investigation unit, AAIU, commenced its formal investigation into the Boeing 737-800 accident at Shannon 30 November 2000, the day of the accident. The cause of the accident is being investigated under the Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulations, 1997. The matter of a public inquiry into any accident can only be addressed on completion of the final report on the investigation.

I am aware from media reports and representations made to my Department, of the shock and distress caused to some of the passengers and I await the final report from the accident investigation unit which may contain safety recommendations which could lead to the avoidance of such accidents in the future.

The investigation is ongoing and it is anticipated that it will take a number of months to complete. The report will be published in hard copy and on the AAIU website in the usual manner for these investigations when the investigation process is complete.