Vol. 500 No. 3
27 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the investigation has been completed by the Garda regarding the damage done to the MV Lisa Selena on the seabed following the tragic loss of two lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3725/99]
A marine casualty investigation into the sinking of the vessel Lisa Selena is currently being carried out by the Marine Survey Office of my Department under section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. The purpose of this investigation is to try to ascertain the cause of the casualty which resulted in the tragic loss of two lives and to see what lessons can be learned to help avoid similar accidents occurring in the future. When complete the findings of the investigation will be published.
I can also assure the Department that the question of the damage to the sunken vessel and its effect on the conduct of my Department's investigation will be addressed in the published report. The Garda investigation is a matter for the Garda ochána but my officials are of course in contact with them about any aspects of their findings that might be of assistance in the finalisation of the report I have mentioned. The question of ascertaining responsibility for the damage is not a matter for my Department's investigation.
