Dáil debates

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Other Questions

Air Accident Investigations.

3:00 am

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the preliminary investigation into the crash of a Pilatus PC-9 in Connemara on 12 October 2009 with the loss of two personnel. [9196/10]

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The accident on 12 October 2009 which led to the loss of the lives of Captain Derek Furniss and Cadet David Jevens in Corr na Móna, County Galway, is being investigated by the air accident investigation unit of the Department of Transport. A preliminary report into the fatal air accident involving the Air Corps Pilatus PC-9 was published by the unit on 17 November 2009. This report is available to the public on the air accident investigation unit's website. The cause of the accident is not determined in the preliminary report. Only the facts known by the investigation team at this early stage are set out in that report. A final report, to be completed within a year of the accident, will provide full analysis of the accident and address its cause.

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Deputy Deenihan and I attended the removal of the two Air Corps personnel who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident. I note that the preliminary report stated that, at this point in the investigation, no technical defect has been identified. In the case of an accident of this nature, every effort should be made to bring the process to a conclusion, in the interests of bringing about closure for the families of these two fine young men. I accept that procedures have to be followed and matters have to be fully investigated, but it is important for this process to be brought to the speediest possible conclusion. I ask the Minister of State to convey that to the Taoiseach.

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Of course I will. The Government is determined to establish the causes of this accident and to put in place any remedial measures that may be required.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Deputy O'Shea and I, along with the then Minister, attended the poignant occasion mentioned by the Deputy. As he said, the families involved deserve some closure. The report should not be delayed in any way, particularly in comparison to other reports. It should take precedence. Resources should be provided to ensure the report is published as soon as possible.

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Transport's unit conducts its investigation of aviation accidents and incidents in accordance with SI 205 of 1997. Pursuant to regulation 27 of this statutory instrument, the Ministers for Transport and for Defence agreed and directed the regulation would apply to the investigations of the Air Corps Pilatus PC-9 accident. On foot of this direction, the chief inspector of air accidents appointed an investigator-in-charge to carry out a formal investigation into the accident. The Minister appointed three Air Corps officers, including the Air Corps flight safety officer and the chief air wardens officer, as inspectors of air accidents for the duration of the investigation under the direction of the inspector-in-charge. The Minister for Transport has been assured of the full assistance of the Department of Defence in the matter.