Vol. 536 No. 1
5 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the report of the international investigators into the crash of the Aer Lingus Viscount, St. Phelim, off Tuskar Rock has been concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13265/01]
On 1 December, 2000, I received from the international investigators a detailed oral progress report on their work. Subsequently, on 25 April, 2001, the international investigators wrote to my Department, setting out their intended schedule for completing their report into this matter. The investigators are retired Admiral Yves Lemercier, Mr. Manuel Pech and Mr. Colin Torkington. They intend to carry out final work in Ireland this month and to pursue final inquiries in the United Kingdom in June. They will then give a short opportunity to the aircraft and engine manufacturers in this case to comment on relevant sections of their draft report, in accordance with international practice.
I expect to receive the final report of this investigation in July. I intend to arrange for an immediate briefing of the relatives of the victims at which they will receive copies of the report, which will then be made publicly available. This examination began last July and has taken somewhat longer to complete than originally estimated. It was important, however, to allow the investigators to pursue their inquiries as they saw fit rather than to insist on a shorter time frame.
(Mayo): Is it not true that this is the third terminal date given for the production of this report? The original date was December, 2000. It was then extended to April, 2001. Now, there is a further extension until July, 2001. The Minister, in her reply, said she had a meeting with investigators in December and they made an oral presentation of progress so far. I do not wish to be prejudicial, but is the investigation pointing in a particular direction? Are firm conclusions emerging? Did the Minister get any indication that the conclusions emerging at the interim stage in any way challenge the original investigation conclusions which emerged after the crash in the 1960s.
Yes, they challenge the assumptions made in the 1970 report. It was a fine oral presentation lasting several hours. When the investigators look for more time, it is clear they intend to give a very full report. I am glad of that.
I congratulate the Minister on instituting the inquiry. It is the right thing to do. Has the Minister information of any new significant witnesses coming forward during this inquiry? Is she satisfied the British authorities are co-operating fully with the investigation.
At an oral presentation, one is careful. It was, however, a comprehensive presentation. A number of new witnesses had come forward and the investigators had received significant co-operation. They met Deputy O'Shea and other Members, but that was only one element of the investigation. They met many others and are receiving co-operation from all quarters when they make queries, visits and take their findings. The investigation is proceeding. We expected the final report in April, but when the investigators sought more time to complete the it, we acceded to the request because the report will be all the better for it.
(Mayo): I am satisfied that the investigators seem to be arriving at conclusions which are somewhat different from the original assumptions. All we had up to now was guesswork and assumptions. With regard to the procedures for the presentation of the report, we accept that the Minister and her officials should have first sight of it followed by the relatives of those who tragically died off Tuskar Rock in the St. Phelim, as a matter of courtesy. When that has happened will the Minister place the report before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport to be followed by an oral presentation by the investigators in order that we can have a detailed dialogue regarding the contents of the report and tease it out further?
That would be a good idea. When the Deputy asked me about the report, I said that it challenged some of the assumptions which had been made in the earlier review. I do not know what those are because I have not received the final report. I will bring the report to Cabinet, as I did the earlier review, and will meet the relatives to give it to them and then make it public. It would be a good idea to present it to a committee and ask the investigators if they, in turn, could attend and give a précis of their report and answer queries.
