Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
155 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the contents of the marine casualty investigation board report on a vessel (details supplied) published in 2003; if his attention has further been drawn to the allegations contained therein; if he intends to refer the report to the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33013/04]
View answerThe tragic incident involving the loss of the fishing vessel the Lisa Selina and its crew was investigated by the marine casualty investigation board under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000. A report on the matter was published by the board on 13 July 2004 following legal vetting and the application of natural justice procedures. The report is available on the Internet at www.mcib.ie and a printed copy is also available free of charge to anyone who requests one.
The main purpose of the board's investigation is to establish the cause or causes of a marine casualty with a view to making recommendations to me for the avoidance of similar marine casualties. Investigations carried out by the MCIB do not attribute blame or fault. While it is not clear what allegations the Deputy is referring to in this case, the Garda is free to undertake an independent investigation into any marine casualty incident and pursue whatever course of action it considers appropriate.
Six recommendations were made to the Department for follow up action to prevent a recurrence of similar casualties. Issuing marine notices and drawing the industry's attention to the various recommended actions and dangers highlighted in the report have implemented four of these recommendations. The Department is considering the implementation of the two remaining recommendations as part of the overall policy for effective enforcement to bring about compliance with the various regulatory regimes in place for fishing vessels.
