Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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878. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to release the reports of marine accidents, which are over 30 years old, to the National Archives of Ireland, in accordance with the National Archives Act 1986, where they may be viewed by members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/15]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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886. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will release the reports of marine accidents which are over 30 years old to the National Archives of Ireland, in accordance with the National Archives Act 1986, where they may be viewed by members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14780/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 878 and 886 together.

It is the long standing policy of the Department not to make public the files or records that relate to past investigations in the maritime area in respect of loss of life or vessels. However, since 2002, when the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) was established under statute, it is the practice to publish the reports of the investigations carried out by the Board.

I regret that I cannot be of any further assistance to the Deputy in respect of the specific incident mentioned.