Catherine Murphy
Ceist:21. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to dissolve the marine casualty investigation board; the timeline for doing so; and the reasoning behind this decision. [46085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 21 September 2022
Ceisteanna (21)
Freagraí scríofa
In relation to future structures for marine accident investigation, Cabinet approval has been given to the preparation of draft heads of a General Scheme to provide for a new marine accident investigation unit based on the establishment of a full-time investigative resource. Work on the General Scheme is at an advanced stage in my Department. Subject to Government approval, the General Scheme will be considered by the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications for pre-legislative scrutiny as part of the legislative process.
The progress of the proposed legislation will determine the timeline regarding dissolving the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) who are continuing their valuable work in the area in the interim. As outlined in the EU Directive regarding the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector, Member States must ensure that safety investigations are conducted under the responsibility of an impartial, permanent investigative body. The new marine accident investigation unit will replace the MCIB as the designated impartial, permanent marine accident investigative body in due course. The legislative proposals will contain suitable provisions to enable a smooth transition between the two bodies.