Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak. I offer my condolences to the families and friends of the four crew members who tragically lost their lives in March 2017 while trying to save the lives of others. This tragic accident claimed the lives of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, Captain Mark Duffy, winch operator, Paul Ormsby, and winchman, Ciarán Smith.

I acknowledge the comprehensive report produced by the Air Accident Investigation Unit, which operates independently in the Department of Transport. The publication of this report represents a very difficult time for the families and friends of the deceased crew members. The report, which extends to 350 pages, goes into great detail on the events of the tragic night. Now is not the time for blame. This will not bring back the heroes who lost their lives on the night. Now is the time to reflect on the report and its recommendations. The relevant authorities need to study the findings of the report very closely and ensure a tragic accident of the kind in question does not happen again.

The final report contains 42 recommendations and 71 findings. Each and every one of the recommendations must be carefully considered and implemented immediately. I note that the Minister, Deputy Ryan, said the Department of Transport fully accepts the recommendations contained in the report and will continue to evaluate the findings in the coming weeks. Although he said he fully accepts the recommendations within the report, I would much rather he gave a firm commitment that his Department will now implement each one of them. Implementation, which would enhance the future safety of flight crews, would at least give some indication to the families of the deceased that their loved ones did not die in vain.

The Minister of State, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, noted that the report contains safety recommendations and said she looks forward to seeing these implemented. Again, it is important that both Ministers make a firm commitment to implementing all the recommendations as a matter of urgency.

I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Mark Duffy. Mark, along with his wife and two young children, lived in my constituency, Louth. At first hand I witnessed the sorrow and grief that followed his tragic passing. We must not forget that Mark was a father and husband. He dedicated his life to saving others. His job meant that he risked his own life to save the lives of others. Unfortunately for Mark and his family, he paid the ultimate price.

Mark Duffy was only 51 years of age when he died. He had saved many lives and assisted many people who needed help during his 16-year career. He paid for his first flying lessons when he was just 16 with money he got from a summer job working in Dundalk. He loved his job and was dedicated to it.

We must not forget Dara, Paul and Ciarán as well because they also had families. Once more, I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the heroes who lost their lives on the dreadful night. I hope they did not lose them in vain. The report on the accident contains 42 recommendations and 71 findings. Each and every one of the recommendations must be implemented without delay. This will not bring back the four lives lost on the night but it might prevent something similar from happening in the future. We have to learn. Five years have elapsed since the accident. I beg of the Minister to implement the recommendations.

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