Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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92. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is intended for the chief surveyor to have oversight of the proposed new marine accident investigation unit; and if so, the measures that are being considered to prevent any conflicts of interest. [48845/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Chief Surveyor of the Marine Survey Office (MSO) will not be involved in the oversight of the Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU).

The General Scheme being developed by my Department and which is at an advanced stage, will specifically provide for the MAIU to be independent in its organisation, legal structure and decision making from any party whose interests could conflict with it as set out in the EU Directive regarding the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector.

Following preliminary advice from the Office of the Attorney General, the General Scheme will include a number of provisions establishing that the MAIU will meet these requirements. Further provisions may be incorporated to ensure this is the case as the legislation is developed. My Department is also engaging with the EU Commission outlining our approach in establishing the new marine accident investigation unit within the Department.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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93. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail the impact of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board dissolution on currently contracted investigators; if investigators have been notified of the planned dissolution of the MCIB; and if it is intended to transfer these contracts to the marine accident investigation unit once it is formed. [48846/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Board of the MCIB has available to it a panel of investigators to undertake investigations. Investigators are independent contractors and the panel reflects broad based maritime competence and experience. An investigator is selected from the panel to carry out an investigation based on the competencies needed to carry out that investigation.

Cabinet approval has been given to the preparation of draft heads of a General Scheme to provide for a new marine accident investigation unit based on the establishment of a full -time investigative resource to replace the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. The General Scheme being developed by my Department will include provisions to ensure a smooth transition between the two bodies. The progress of the proposed legislation will determine the timeline regarding dissolving the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) who along with investigators are continuing their valuable work in the area in the interim. My Department will work closely with the Board of the MCIB to ensure a smooth transition to a full time investigation structure.

An open recruitment competition for the role of the Chief Investigator and the permanent investigators will be conducted by the Public Appointment Service, who are the centralised provider of recruitment services across the Civil and Public Service. This will ensure fair, transparent and merit-based appointments for these key positions within the MAIU.