Air Accident Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (146)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

146. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in view of new evidence, he will ensure that the current partial reopening of the investigation into the downing of the Air France Caravelle F-BOHB aeroplane on 11 September 1968, while en route from Corsica to Nice with Irishman Arthur O'Connor on board, is fully re-opened and any tribunal investigating the affair is independent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37039/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the O’Connor family on the loss of their father, Mr. Arthur O’Connor, in the tragic crash of the Air France Caravelle F-BOHB plane on 11 September 1968. At the time, the causes of this crash were examined by the appropriate authorities. Reports on the case were made public, including the final report of the Commission of Investigation which was issued on the 14th December 1972. Recently, a police enquiry into certain aspects of the investigation of this crash has been initiated by the Prosecutor’s office in Nice. The Embassy in Paris has been in contact with the Prosecutor’s Office and has asked the authorities to keep it abreast of developments.