I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on 11 February in which I explained that the Department's investigation into this accident could not be completed until a report on the proceedings of the maritime tribunal had been received from the French authorities.
As the Deputy is aware, following sustained diplomatic effort over the past four years by the Irish authorities, I and officials of my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Paris and the French authorities finally completed their investigation which resulted in legal proceedings being brought against the skipper and one of the crewmen of the French vessel involved in the collision. These proceedings concluded on 27 September 1996 at the maritime tribunal at Lorient when both men were found guilty of negligence for their part in the sinking of the Orchidee. They were sentenced to one year and to three months' imprisonment, respectively. Both sentences were suspended for five years on the strict condition that no further offences of any sort were committed.
Since the tribunal hearing in September 1996 officials from my Department as well as officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Paris have continued to press the French authorities to expedite the release of this report to the Irish authorities. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as a result of this pressure the French Foreign Ministry has, in the past few days, made a copy of the report available to my Department through the normal diplomatic channels. I understand the report includes witness statements given to the court by the crew of the French vessel as well as details of the tribunal's findings. Arrangements are being made to have this report translated into English. Copies will be made available to the parties concerned and they have been so notified.
I confirm that the marine surveyor who conducted the initial investigation has since taken up other employment. The investigation will be finalised by the chief surveyor. While the departure of the original investigator has had no material bearing on the progress of the investigation as the report of the French proceedings was not to hand, I accept that the families should have been informed of this development and this omission is regretted.
My Department has endeavoured since 1992, when the accident occurred, to keep the bereaved relatives informed of progress in the investigation, particularly during the lengthy French legal process. I assure the Deputy that departmental officials will maintain regular contact with the families and keep them informed as further developments arise. Any request from the relatives to meet the investigating officer is a matter for him. He will consider such a request on its merits having regard to the procedures governing the conduct of investigations.
