Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Sinking of the Orchidée.

Hugh Byrne

Ceist:

87 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he has taken or plans to take to make representations to the French authorities about the delays in dealing with the sinking of the Orchidée in September 1992, which resulted in the loss of life of two Irish fishermen; the steps, if any, which have been taken to make concrete the Government's concern about the matter which were expressed during a Dáil debate on the adjournment on 26 October 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3020/94]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

In the Adjournment debate on 26 October the Minister with responsibility for environmental protection set out the steps taken by the Department of the Marine and by the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring the investigation of the sinking of the Orchidée to a conclusion.

The matter is within the scope of the judicial authorities in France. The Embassy in Paris is in regular contact with the French civil and judicial authorities with a view to finalising the issues involved.

The Embassy is in frequent touch with the examining magistrate in the case and the Embassy has provided him with the relevant information on the collision, obtained by the Irish authorities, in order to expedite the investigation. The examining magistrate has informed the Embassy that he is in the process of concluding his report and will be submitting this to the Maritime Court within a short time.

The Departments concerned in Dublin and the Embassy in Paris are keeping the matter under continuous review and are pressing for an early resolution.

I am aware of the trauma which the tragedy has caused for the families concerned. I share their desire to have the matter finally resolved. I would like to take this opportunity to express on behalf of the Government and on my own behalf our sympathy to the families on their tragic loss.