asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when it is proposed to commence the public inquiry into the Whiddy Oil Terminal disaster.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whiddy Island Disaster Tribunal.
25.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he is in a position now to publish the names of the members of the Tribunal for the Whiddy Oil Terminal disaster, in addition to the appointment of Mr. Justice Costello as Chairperson; and if he will indicate whether those people so appointed will be Irish people working in Irish marine or shipping organisations.
27.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if it is proposed to appoint to the Whiddy tribunal a representative of the trade union movement.
30.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport to indicate the date on which it is proposed to commence the Whiddy Island Disaster Tribunal proceedings.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 to 27, inclusive, and No. 30 together.
The assessors who will assist the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Bantry Bay disaster will not be representative of any particular interests but will be selected with due regard to their individual qualifications and experience and the contribution which they can make towards assisting the Tribunal in discharging its terms of reference as approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
I expect to be in a position to announce very soon the names of the assessors. The settlement of the date of commencement of the Inquiry will be a matter for the Tribunal.
Having regard to the conditions of working people in these matters I should like to know if there will be a representative of the trade unions involved? Does the Minister agree that there is a need for such a sectional representation? Will the assessors be Irish personnel working in the Irish marine or transport industry? When, as distinct from "shortly", does the Minister hope to have this inquiry off the ground?
The Deputy will appreciate that it is essential in the case of the assessors that they should be of the highest expertise and with the requisite wide experience. It may happen that the people I propose to appoint are trade unionists. I am not appointing them because they are trade unionists or employers but on the basis of their expertise and wide experience. Hopefully, I will be able to announce the names of the assessors within a short time. That might be in the next two or three days.
I am very pleased to hear that.
That is not Post Office time.
Is the Minister not aware that the trade union movement have the expertise and that he would find at least one person within that organisation who would be able to serve on this tribunal? Will he agree that in his search for qualified personnel he may go overseas and get people whose expertise will not be retained in the community? I urge him to bear that in mind in making his final decision.
I am afraid the Deputy does not appreciate what is involved here. The assessors have to have very wide experience in tanker operations. Some trade union representatives sought facilities from the Department in connection with the inspection of the terminal and the vessel. They were given those facilities.
The Minister will not put them on the tribunal board?
I am sure the Deputy will understand when he sees the type of assessors I needed to appoint here.
What is the date it is proposed to commence the proceedings?
As soon as I have the assessors appointed it will then be a matter for the tribunal to set the date.
Could the Minister give an approximate date? Will it be May, June, July, or October or when will it be?
I hope about mid-May, but there could be a preliminary hearing before that.
Will the inquiry commence about mid-May?
It is possible that there might be a preliminary hearing before then.
Does the Minister mean that it will commence then?
I hope so.
I support what Deputy Quinn said about the necessity of getting trade union representation on the tribunal. Will evidence from abroad be sought? Will advertisements be inserted in the French and other continental press on the setting up of the tribunal?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that at least one French trade union organising seamen have conducted their inquiry? Presumably the results of their inquiry will be sought to aid the tribunal in their work.
I understand that an advertisement will be placed in the French papers.