Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies who participated in the debate, and whereas they diverted into a particular case, I cannot make any comment on that, but I know that they said it for the most humanitarian of motives. I acknowledge that.

I thank the Deputies for what they have said and for the amendment to the Bill. The Government is not opposing the Bill on Second Stage. The Marine Casualty Investigation Board was established as an independent State agency under the Merchant Shipping Act 2000. The board has carried out a critical role since its establishment in helping our understanding of the circumstances under which, all too often, people have suffered injury or tragically lost their lives while at sea or on our inland waterways. The use of its external panel of investigators in carrying out its investigation aids the board in the preparation of its reports and the recommendations contained therein. I was impressed to learn the background and experience of these investigators and their prior work as naval architects, marine engineers and deck officers, which ensures they have the maritime competence and experience for the investigations into marine casualties they must undertake in what must be difficult and trying circumstances.

As noted, the board is not a prosecuting body. It is not the purpose of an investigation carried out by the board to apportion blame or fault, rather it is to determine the circumstances and causes under which a marine casualty has occurred with a view to making recommendations that may help in the avoidance of similar marine casualties in the future, thereby improving the safety of life at sea and on inland waterways. I believe this is a similar approach to that undertaken in other transport sectors such as aviation and railways. Amendments to the 2000 Act proposed in the Bill to ensure that whichever Minister is in office will take into account the desirability of prospective members of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board having appropriate knowledge, qualifications or experience are appropriate and welcome. I was reassured to hear that this is the practice in place.

I welcome the efforts of Deputy Mattie McGrath in formalising what is already an effective practice. It is a useful and necessary exercise. I reiterate that the Government will not oppose the Bill on Second Stage.

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