The Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill will provide for the new unit to replace the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB), set up in 2001, as the permanent body responsible for marine accident investigation.

Separately, the bill will also provide enabling powers to develop regulations which will cover the construction, survey and certification of various classes of offshore service vessels on the Irish flag.

The establishment of a Marine Accident Investigation Unit is one of the six recommendations set out in a review of the current organisational structures underpinning marine accident investigation in Ireland in the context of national, EU and international obligations commissioned by the Department of Transport in 2021.

The review was undertaken by Clinchmaritime Ltd and Captain Steve Clinch, the former chief inspector of marine accidents for the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch. The final report of the review was received in July 2021, but its recommendations and observations have only now been published.

The Department of Transport has said it is “not in a position to publish the full report” based on advice from the Attorney General.

Transport minister Eamon Ryan said: “Following the enactment of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act in May 2022, I am happy to be in a position to announce further legislation in the important area of marine accident investigation.

“I wish to acknowledge the support of the current Marine Casualty Investigation Board for this reform, and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Board and its members for the valuable work they are continuing to carry out while we transition to the full-time Unit – their hard work, integrity and diligence in such an important and sensitive area of activity is very much appreciated.”

He added: “My Department accepts all of the recommendations which are addressed to it in the report completed by Clinchmaritime Ltd. and their publication enables us to advance quickly on the work required to address them.”

The drafting of the bill will now commence in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, while the general scheme will be sent to the joint Oireachtas committee on transport and communication for pre-legislative scrutiny.