Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for outlining the position he has taken. There has been a great deal of debate in committee and in both Chambers in regard to this particular issue. It is not surprising that many have sought to try to broaden this legislation because the notion of reviews and reform of the overall architecture of the Marine Accident Investigation Board and its operation has been around and promised for a long time. Quite frankly, it has not happened. That is why there has been such a push at this stage. I recognise that the Minister's hands are tied to some extent because this Bill is technical in nature and needs to be passed relatively quickly to give credibility to the investigations that are already under way.

The decision taken elsewhere has created a lacuna that had to be brought to a head. The engagement by all Members of both Houses was a genuine effort to bring about the ultimate change that is required here. The Minister clearly sees the benefit in it. As identified by him, he has already secured approval from Cabinet. That is to be welcomed, but there has been approval from Cabinet to proceed previously and nothing has happened. We are putting trust and faith in the Minister to bring that to fruition.

In committee, we have had various hearings. The person by whom I was taken on every occasion he presented, whether in terms of the material he provided or his oral presentations, was Mr. Michael Kingston, a noted expert in this area, who is legally trained. He has been involved in this area and has a personal interest in it having lost his father in an accident many years ago. The RTÉ radio "Documentary on One" or "Doc on one" is well worth listening to from a podcast point of view to get a sense of the feeling that is there. I suggest that the Minister's officials, in preparation the next Bill, reach out to Michael Kingston in light of his expertise in this area. It might give a grounding or context in which the next phase of the legislative response is brought to fruition.

I look forward to working with the Minister on that legislation, including in the pre-legislative scrutiny process. We will be happy to engage. I am aware that the Minister has a busy schedule, as does the Government in terms of getting legislation through, but this is important for all those families out there who have been impacted and affected and, sadly, for those who will be affected into the future as well. There is need to put in place an appropriate architecture from a legislative perspective.