Vol. 484 No. 3
125 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will order an independent inquiry into a fire aboard a ferry (details supplied) on a sailing between Rosslare and Cherbourg; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances of the incident. [21909/97]
The ferry referred to by the Deputy is a foreign registered cargo vessel. The incident happened in international waters. This is not a matter for which I have any direct responsibility. However, officials from my Department did inspect the vessel prior to its departure to a repair port in the United Kingdom, in order to be satisfied that it was safe for the vessel to proceed to sea. My Department is concerned about the incident and will assist in any investigations by the responsible authorities.
