Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yet again I extend my sympathy to the families of the deceased.

There have been three separate official investigations into this tragic accident, the first of which was conducted by the air accident investigation unit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Its final report setting out its findings was published on 24 January 2012. It found that the probable cause of the accident was the spatial disorientation of the instructor-pilot in conditions of poor visibility resulting in controlled flight into terrain.

In May 2012 a coroner’s inquest was held into the deaths of the two crew members. The jury recorded an open verdict in the case of the instructor-pilot and a verdict of accidental death in the case of the cadet.

The third investigation was a military court of inquiry which had been convened by order of the Chief of Staff on 26 July 2012 and it produced its report on 17 January 2013. The court of inquiry’s findings are consistent with the earlier investigations, namely, that the probable cause of the accident was the spatial disorientation of the instructor who was piloting the aircraft in conditions of poor visibility at the time.

I received a series of correspondence from the family in which allegations were made in respect of a wide range of issues to do with the investigation of the tragic accident. I sought the advice of the Attorney General in this regard. I have fully considered the matter in the context of this legal advice and I am satisfied that a further investigation is not warranted into any issue relating to this tragic accident. I informed the family late last year of my decision in that regard. Officials from my Department also met the family in early January to convey my decision and afford them the opportunity to discuss their concerns further. Following that meeting, I have arranged to meet the family again next week to discuss their concerns. I understand they feel the content of the court of inquiry's report introduces issues and opinions which, in their view, raise questions concerning their son’s role in this tragic event. For the record, I reassure them again that this line of argument is not supported in any report and has never been given any official credence. All of the reports agree that Cadet Jevens bore no responsibility of any kind for the tragic accident.

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