Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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1080. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if assistance can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35566/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The MCIB was set up under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act, 2000 to investigate marine casualties and publish reports of such investigations. Under Section 8 of the Act, the MCIB is established as being independent of the Minister in the performance of its functions, and in general is independent of any other person or body whose interest could conflict with the functions of the Board. 

The purpose of an investigation is to establish the cause or causes of a marine casualty, with a view to making recommendations for the avoidance of similar marine casualties. Under the Act, it is specifically not the purpose of an investigation to attribute blame or fault.

All investigations of casualties are carried out by the Board’s panel of external investigators. The panel consists of personnel holding technical qualifications such as naval architects, marine engineers or deck officers and reflects broad based maritime competence and experience. The process is very thorough and involves a variety of professional bodies, including the Gardaí, the Irish Coastguard, Met Eireann and the RNLI before completion and submission to the Board.

Following its investigation, the MCIB makes its recommendations. In this case, the recommendations included the undertaking of a highly visible information poster campaign on piers and launching areas relating to life jackets, VHF radio and emergency contact details and in particular the importance of the need to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) in order to improve the chance of survival when an accident occurs.

A number of actions were taken by my Department to support these recommendations including the issuing of two marine notices relating to the use of PFDs. Furthermore, the Marine Safety Working Group (MSWG), chaired by the Irish Maritime Administration, a division within my Department produces booklets and posters entitled "Safety on the Water" providing basic safety guidelines and advice for recreational craft users, fishermen, divers etc. who take to the waters of Ireland. The Group’s aim is to create and communicate marine safety information and messages to endeavour to reduce accidents and to prevent the loss of life in Irish Waters. It co-ordinates the publication of water safety messages through media broadcasts, publications, brochures and posters including increasing public awareness of the requirement to wear PFDs, use of VHF radio and emergency contact numbers.

In addition to the above actions, my Department also promotes the use of PFDs through its circulation of The Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft, which was revised in 2017 and gives straightforward safety advice on best practice to operators and owners of recreational craft.  .

I understand that this has been a difficult time for both families and I hope that you are reassured by my Department’s efforts to ensure the safety of all while at sea.