Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Marine Accidents.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

118 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the investigation which has been held into the loss of five lives off Fethard-on-Sea on 28 July 2002 following the sinking of a sea angling vessel, the Pisces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17051/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern):

The investigation into the tragic accident off Fethard-on-Sea, resulting in the deaths of five people, is being carried out by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board, an independent body that was established in June this year under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act, 2000.

Under the Act the board is required to publish a report of any investigation it undertakes into a marine casualty after having received the observations of parties likely to be adversely affected by the publishing of the report. The Act also provides for a copy of the board's report to be transmitted to me as soon as it is published. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it would not be proper at this time for me to discuss any aspects of the board's investigation. However, I assure the Deputy that I will respond quickly to any recommendations made by the board to improve maritime safety generally.