Vol. 455 No. 8
426 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine the current status of the investigation into the collision between the Orchidee and the Agena on 22 September 1992, which resulted in the death of two fishermen; the new steps, if any, that have been taken or are being considered to expedite this matter that has been ongoing for three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13288/95]
Following the incident between the Irish fishing vessel Orchidee and the French fishing vessel Agena on 22 September 1992, the French Authorities have been carrying out an investigation through a procedure known as a “Rogatory Commission”. The Department of the Marine, in conjuction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Paris, have been pressing the French Authorities to bring this matter to a conclusion. The Department of the Marine has been advised that the investigation by the “Rogatory Commissioner” has been completed and that his report is, at present, under consideration by the French Maritime Tribunal Commerciale. The Tribunal will decide whether any legal proceedings will be initiated. I am very much aware of the distress that this lengthy procedure has placed on the bereaved families and I can assure the House that every effort will be made to bring this matter to a conclusion.
The Dáil adjourned at 5.20 p.m. until 12 noon on Wednesday, 27 September 1995.
