Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I extend a big welcome to our witnesses. It is hard to believe they have appeared before the committee over a three-year period to look at this legislation. The committee has pushed this issue and, in fairness, it is great to have heads of legislation before us for this very important area. I am from County Clare. The circumstances around the loss of Caitríona Lucas are tragic. It is a very difficult area. I hope members of the MCIB will go to the forthcoming inquest in April and do everything they can to help the Lucas family.

I note the briefing document on the legislation submitted by Mr. McCarthy. He touched on various issues, such as the SOLAS Convention, which Ireland is in breach of, the independence of the new structure, the fact it will still be under the Department of Transport and the need to change that, and the qualifications of investigators.

While we are looking for a qualified applicant for the position of chief surveyor, the specific qualifications have not been outlined. Will Mr. McCarthy take us through those issues?