Mr. C.J. Gaffney:

They are saying there is no mechanism but the answer is that this has never happened before so of course there is no mechanism. Because the vessel was under 24 m, she comes under national and not international law and that is why Brussels could not do anything. I have to say that the representatives of the EU in Brussels were fantastic. They always write back. They invited us over. They wrote to the Germans, English and Dutch to warn them about this issue. They wrote letters to Germanischer Lloyd. They went above and beyond what they could do. When we went to them, they were absolutely shocked and that was when the offer of compensation came across. They could not fix it but said the offer of compensation was made because the situation was just not right. That was happening in 2009. The Deputy has probably seen the letters I have forwarded to the committee from the European Union to Sean Kelly MEP and from him to the Government and what they stated. I also have letters from Europe to the Marine Survey Office criticising that it has not become involved. Everything I say can be backed up and is factual. It can be backed up not only by me but also by Brussels.