Vol. 521 No. 2
71 Mr. McCormack 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. [16762/00]
A report of the marine casualty investigation into the sinking of the vessel Lisa Selena has recently been completed by the Marine Survey Office of my Department and has been forwarded to the Attorney General's office for examination from the legal perspective. Officials from my Department are working in consultation with that office to clarify a number of legal issues which have arisen in relation to the publication of the report. Every effort is being made to ensure that this legal vetting process is completed so that publication of the report will occur in the near future.
The purpose of my Department's investigation was 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. While the published report will concentrate largely on the findings of the investigation, I assure the Deputy it will also address the question of the damage to the sunken vessel and its effect on the conduct of my Department's investigation.
The Garda investigation into this incident is a matter for the Garda Síochána and the question of ascertaining responsibility for the damage is not a matter for my Department's investigation.
