Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will follow a similar vein to that of Senator Dooley. We had an international expert before the committee. He made a written submission and a very strong verbal submission to the committee today. He has outlined the flaws that brought the country to the European Court of Justice, ECJ, and resulted in a ruling. The Government had to act on that. I accept the Minister's fear is that the board might not function properly, but section 16 of the Act enables us to deal with that. Outside experts can be brought in to take on that role. Now is the time to deal with the issue. It is a long time since 1998. Since then, we have been operating in a space where the board was not independent. We had a situation where people from the Department were investigating themselves and setting down criteria. That is not best international practice.

We have an internationally renowned witness before the committee today, Michael Kingston. He advises other jurisdictions. He has pointed out to us the flaws in our current regime. These flaws have a direct impact on families on the ground. They have resulted in delays in reports and recommendations not being followed. Mr. Kingston is making a personal plea today based on his impeccable credentials and his personal involvement. He told the committee that his own dad was lost in a marine tragedy. He has a vested interest in the matter. He comes across as very genuine. I strongly believe that now is the time to address this situation. There is a means whereby we can fill the gap on the board currently and deal with the legislation now.

My fear is that this issue will be pushed aside and will not be addressed and people will lose out as a result.