asked the Minister for Communications in view of the technology being made available to recover parts of the Air India crash plane at a depth of 60,000 feet if he will now consider the recovery of the Aer Lingus Viscount which crashed off the Tuskar Rocks in 1968 so as to ascertain the exact reasons for that tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Aer Lingus Viscount Crash.
15.
A considerable portion of the Aer Lingus Viscount aircraft which crashed on 24 March, 1968 was recovered from the seabed during the search and salvage operation which was undertaken at the time. In view of the particularly strong tidal action in the crash area it is probable that the remaining wreckage has been dispersed or has silted over in the course of the 17 years which have elapsed since the accident occurred. I consider that it would be futile to attempt further salvage operations even with the sophisticated underwater technology now available.