I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 31 together.
On 3 May 1999 a fire occurred on the Stena Line HSS vessel as it approached Dun Laoghaire from Holyhead. I am advised that the fire occurred in the firetight enclosure enclosing one of the vessel's gas turbine engines for the ship's propulsion. The engine unit's alarm system detected the fire immediately, shut down the engine and the crew operated the fire extinguisher system within the compartment. I am informed that, as the vessel was close to Dun Laoghaire Harbour, the master of the vessel decided not to open the compartment until the vessel was alongside the pier and the fire brigade was in attendance. As a precaution, the master mustered all the passengers and evacuated them using the normal foot exits as soon as the vessel was alongside the pier.
The marine survey office of my Department was notified immediately of the incident and the deputy chief surveyor from that office boarded the vessel as soon as it was alongside the pier to commence an initial investigation into the cause of the fire. I understand from the deputy chief surveyor that this initial investigation found that a small fire had occurred in the lagging surrounding the engine. All the other engines were inspected and found to be in apparent good order and condition. Following this inspection and after receiving assurances from the fire brigade that the fire was fully extinguished the deputy chief surveyor was satisfied that it was safe for the vessel to return to service, albeit on three engines only.
The marine survey office is also carrying out an investigation into the incident involving the Stena Line HSS on 4 March 1999 which occurred when the vessel was backing into its berth in Dun Laoghaire in strong north-west by north winds. While the report on this investigation has yet to be completed, I am advised by the chief surveyor of the marine survey office that the vessel collided with a mooring dolphin as a result of which the vessel was holed above the waterline and at water level causing partial flooding of one compartment. An immediate and full inspection of the damage to the vessel was carried out by officials from the marine survey office and temporary repairs were effected to ensure it was safe for the vessel to proceed to a repair port in the United Kingdom.
While I am assured that the safety of passengers on board the vessel was not endangered during either incident and that the response to both has been handled professionally by the company and the marine survey office, I am nevertheless concerned that the incidents occurred. It is my objective, in partnership with the company and the regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom where the vessel is registered, to ensure any lessons to be learned are implemented with a view to preventing a recurrence.