Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
97. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will establish a public enquiry into investigations carried out by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board following the European Court of Justice ruling recently that Ireland is not fulfilling its obligations under Article 8(1) of Directive 2009/18 governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector. [17262/20]
View answerMy Department is examining the Court of Justice of the European Union judgment in relation to the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) and recently received legal advice on possible next steps, including the likely amendment of the relevant legislation. Any such proposals will provide a basis for early engagement with the European Commission in order to ensure that the Court findings and the concerns of the Commission are addressed.
I can assure you that every effort is being made to progress matters as quickly as possible.
I would highlight that the key concern on the part of the European Commission was the potential for a conflict of interest. I should underline that no finding of partiality has been made in the actions of the Board of the MCIB in the Judgment. Nor was there any suggestion of partiality on the part of the MCIB with regard to any case. Accordingly, it is not my intention to seek any form of inquiry into this matter.
