Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I will not take up all that time because everything has been encapsulated. What we are trying to achieve collectively is to restore confidence in the independence and greater transparency of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. Many people who have suffered the trauma of losing loved ones are unhappy. The European Commission referral of Ireland to the European Court of Justice for failing to uphold European law on impartial investigations of marine incidents is raising concerns. We heard from Mr. Kingston and from other people who have given their testimony to us individually or to the committee today. I join other members in asking for that review and that independence be required to be achieved. It is important that we understand the rawness of this for many people. It is equally critical that we, as legislators, and the Minister - to be fair, his engagement with us has been positive - look at the entire operation in a manner that is timely and proactive, and that we ensure the concerns expressed to us are examined and that the Marine Casualty Investigation Board is fit for purpose. I hope we can do that together. Mr. Kingston made a fine presentation to the committee and we have heard him on other platforms as well. I am heartened by the Minister's contribution this afternoon.