Vol. 542 No. 1
43 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the planned independent marine casualty investigation board, as provided for in the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act, 2000, will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23339/01]
The primary purpose of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act, 2000, is to provide for a new legislative and procedural regime to regulate the entire area of marine casualty investigation in Ireland which will replace the system established in 1894. A key provision of the Act is the establishment of an independent marine casualty investigation board with enhanced powers to investigate marine casualties and to publish reports within a specified timetable. I hope I will soon be in a position to establish the board as work on securing the necessary administration supports is well advanced in my Department.
