Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
366. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the role of the Marine Survey Office in investigating fatalities or serious incidents involving Irish-registered fishing vessels; the number of such investigations initiated in the past five years; whether all incidents involving loss of life have been fully investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a serious incident or fatality on board an Irish-registered fishing vessel, the Marine Survey Office (MSO), a division of my department, will investigate the incident to establish the safety of the vessel's crew and the safety of the vessel and whether it is fit to proceed to sea. The MSO will also investigate whether the incident was caused due to a breach of safety regulations. If, during the course of an investigation, breaches of the regulations are found to have taken place, appropriate enforcement action may be taken, including prosecution under the appropriate legislation. All incidents involving loss of life which occurred as a result of a breach of safety - whether navigational, mechanical or relating to crew training - are investigated fully by the MSO. Thankfully, the number of fatalities has dropped significantly in recent years and the MSO has only one current case involving a fatality before the courts at present.
