Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with much of what Senator Higgins said. In any marine accident, speed is of the essence in getting answers and understanding what happened. That is truly important. The Lucas case raised certain issues with respect to interviews, the removal of certain items from the scene of the accident and, if I recall correctly, the investigation into the life jackets that were used. I may be wrong on the last point but, as far as I recall, that was the situation.

We must treat volunteers differently but it is also the case that investigations must be immediate. We saw that with the loss of Rescue 116, notwithstanding that there was significant legal advice regarding that crash. In such cases, we depend on the report on an accident to help us to change the methodologies, procedures and practices that are in place. Reports must be comprehensive and they need to be published very quickly. I agree with most of what my colleague Senator Higgins said. Her amendment would improve the Bill.