Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many issues were raised and many reports were mentioned. Ireland intends to ratify the Cape Town agreement. However, important matters relating to the implementation of the agreement have been raised at the IMO. The Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments developed interim guidelines to assist in the implementation of that agreement, which was adopted in December 2024. The formal resolution is awaited and Ireland is fully engaged with the process at the IMO. We have a higher standard than what is being set out in the Cape Town agreement.

The recommendations and observations of the Clinch report have been published and have been or are being implemented. This Bill is put in place to enhance the safety regime and bring accident investigation into line with best international practice. It is also there to regulate offshore service vehicles.

The Lacey report was not a report on marine accident investigation. It was a report of a previous government looking at the possibility of setting up a multi-modal accident investigation unit. This Bill only concerns marine accidents. There is nothing precluding us from introducing a multi-modal approach in the future but we need this Bill now to improve safety.

There is no confusion about the agencies and what they will investigate. The agency will operate on a statutory remit. At present, all work on investigations work within their statutory remit with no issues - gardaí, Marine Survey offices, etc. If a vehicle is tied up, there is still no difference. It is investigated.

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