“Lost at Sea” compensation recommended for Donegal family

A special report on the investigation into the ‘Lost At Sea’ scheme prompted by a complaint made by a Donegal family has been passed on to the Dail and Seanad, after the findings were rejected by the Department of the Marine. While the department is free to do so, this is only the second time in the twenty-five year history of the Office that it has happened.
Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly found the scheme was seriously deficient and flawed, and recommends that compensation of over €245,000 be paid to the Byrne family.
The investigation followed a complaint made by Danny Byrne who’s father’s trawler sank off the Donegal coast in 1981. His father Francis, 16-year-old brother Jimmy and three crew members were all drowned.
North West MEP Jim Higgins has been compaigning on the issue with the Byrne family – he says they have been vindicated.