Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister, I thank Deputy Martin Ferris again for raising this matter which has given us the opportunity for a useful and important discussion. It is clear that all in this House share the general concern to support the families of those who, tragically, have been lost of sea and to help them pursue any reasonable avenue for the recovery and identification of the remains of their loved ones.

The Minister will, of course, raise the points expressed by Deputy Ferris with the Garda authorities. He is also confident that the gardaí are doing all that they reasonably can to assist the families concerned. The Minister is hopeful that when the assessment, which is currently awaited by the Garda authorities, is finalised there will be more clarity on the possibilities of effective testing of the remains which have been found. I will bring the views of Deputy Ferris directly to the Minister and the Department's attention.

See this speech in context