In 2009, I approved proposals for the amalgamation of (i) the Air Accident Investigation Unit of my Department, (ii) the Railway Accident Investigation Unit of the Railway Safety Commission and (iii) the Marine Casualty Investigation Board to form the Irish Accident Investigation Office (I.A.I.O.) as an executive office within my Department. Those proposals entail the physical co-location of the three investigative bodies in existing Departmental accommodation in Dublin. Those facilities require adaptation to meet specialist investigative needs. That work will commence shortly, subject to successful tendering by the Office of Public Works, and is anticipated that it will be completed in the third quarter of 2010. The accommodation will become available for occupation by the I.A.I.O. shortly thereafter. Preparatory work on legislation to underpin the functions of the new Office is underway within my Department. Pending passage of that legislation, arrangements are in place to identify and implement the required administrative and operating synergies.