(Limerick West): I propose to take questions Nos. 11, 12, 20, 36 and 45 together.
Let me begin by saying that there has been no undue delay in setting up the formal investigation into the Ballycotton tragedy. As many Deputies will be aware, no such formal investigation under the Merchant Shipping Acts has been held in this country since 1955. It is a complex and intricate legal process and every available resource has been devoted to ensuring that all the legal requirements are met.
The investigation will be chaired by a justice of the District Court sitting with two assessors with suitable nautical experience or knowledge to assist the court in its deliberations. A formal application to hold the investigation will be made to Justice M. C. Reilly at the District Court in Midleton on 17 December. It will be a matter for the court to decide on the date for the commencement of the formal investigation.
The court will investigate all aspects of the Ballycotton incident at a public hearing and may call any person it sees fit to help it in its deliberations and it may also hear from any interested parties or their legal representatives. Having considered the circumstances of the case, the court will make a report and include any opinions or observations it thinks fit. This report will then be published in full for the information of the general public and the interested parties. While publication of the report will be a matter for the court, I do not anticipate that there will be any undue delays in its publication.
On 17 August last I announced that I had directed the fisheries boards to undertake immediately an urgent review of equipment including personal safety equipment, personnel, training, procedures and vessels used in deep water patrols to ensure the highest possible safety levels. I also indicated on that occasion that I had directed the marine surveyors of my Department to provide such technical assistance as the boards may require in the conduct of this review and in ensuring the application of the safest possible operational procedures.
I await the results of that review and when I receive the results I shall consider the implications and take whatever decisions are required. I am assured that, pending the results of the review, the boards are taking a precautionary approach and that the interests of safety are being accorded paramount importance.
In the interim, my Department have provided the boards with guidelines to be followed in the operation of their seagoing patrols. These include guidance in relation to equipment, communications and training.
In view of the seriousness of the incident, and also in view of my responsibility for safety of life at sea, I decided that it would not be appropriate to await the outcome of the inquest before taking action.