Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that the Clinch Report that he commissioned in early 2021 and that was subsequently submitted to his Department the following July has still not been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44826/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Report referred to by the Deputy relates to the optimal structure for marine accident investigation in Ireland. It is still the subject of an engagement with the Office of the Attorney General on certain aspects therein. Once this engagement has concluded and based on their legal advice, I will look to publish the report as appropriate.

For the Deputy's information, on the issue of structures for marine accident investigation, I am happy to say that Cabinet approval has been given to the preparation of draft heads of a Merchant Shipping Bill to provide for a new marine accident investigation structure based on the establishment of a full-time unit. Work on the general scheme is at an advanced stage in my Department. Subject to Government approval, the General Scheme will be subject to engagement with the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications including for pre-legislative scrutiny as part of the legislative process.