John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief. I thank all of the witnesses for coming to the committee this morning and giving the presentations. From these presentations the witnesses have a great knowledge of what the challenges and opportunities are. On the face of it they seem very well equipped to take over the positions. I shall address each witness in the order of his or her presentation.

I shall turn fist to Ms Cliona Cassidy. We only hear of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board in the context of tragic circumstances. Ms Cassidy emphasises the importance of independence and confidentiality and that the main role of the board is to identify causes and make recommendations. Has Ms Cassidy any role in seeing that those recommendations are actually implemented and what is the follow-on from those recommendations? Ms Cassidy has stated clearly that the board identifies cause and does not apportion blame. Where does the blame aspect of these cases come in? Is it a matter for An Garda Síochána? The board's reports are used by the people who do apportion blame. Am I correct in that?