I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 23 together.
These Questions relate to the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.
Under Section 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board is established as being independent of the Minister in the performance of its functions and, in general, is independent of any other person or body whose interests could conflict with the functions of the Board.
Consequently, the issue raised by the Deputies regarding the Board attending an inquest in relation to a casualty investigation is a matter for the Board itself and it would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on the matter.