Disappearance of Member of Naval Service
932. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has received inquiries from a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; the reason no information has been given to the parents regarding what happened; his views on an inquiry into this incident; if there are files relating to the disappearance of a person; the reason his Department is so reluctant to give information on a serving officer who was lost at sea to that person’s parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14522/06]
Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea): The military authorities maintained a significant degree of liaison with the person referred to and other family members in the aftermath of the tragic disappearance of the member of the Naval Service referred to. The person and the family were kept informed of events. The services of the military personnel support service were offered to the family who have been assured they will be informed of any future developments.
I am informed by the military authorities that in August 2003 the family were offered an opportunity to examine the report of the military court of inquiry into the disappearance of the member of the Naval Service. The position in this case is that it is the spouse of the member of the Naval Service referred to who is the person officially designated as “next of kin”. As there are separate legal proceedings in this matter, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.