Vol. 412 No. 1
18 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will review arrangements in relation to the investigation of serious public transport accidents; and if he has satisfied himself that such inquiries and investigations should only be carried out by the public transport company.
I am confining my answer to the investigation of rail and aircraft accidents which fall within my direct area of responsibility. The Minister for the Environment has responsibility for the investigation of road accidents and the Minister for the Marine has responsibility for the investigation of marine accidents.
Iarnród Éireann investigate all railway accidents and subsequently submit reports to my Department. These reports are examined by the railway inspecting officer who may inspect accident locations and seek additional information regarding the circumstances of accidents. The railway inspecting officer makes recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
