Vol. 402 No. 5
26 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give the date and location of the public inquiry into the Ballycotton tragedy in which four fishery officers lost their lives; having regard to the importance of such an inquiry, if he will ensure that the costs of legal representation for the relatives is borne by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
32 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Marine if the State will meet the legal costs of the families who will have legal representation at the inquiry into the Ballycotton, County Cork disaster.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 32 together.
The formal investigation which I announced on 28 September 1990 into the Ballycotten tragedy will be conducted by a District Justice. The legislation provides that the payment of costs of the investigation is a matter for decision of the court. The remaining formalities necessary to set the formal investigation in motion are being put in place. When these are completed the date and location of the public hearing will be announced.
