asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider having the Asgard returned to Howth; and if he will make a statement regarding the vessel which will replace it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Asgard Replacement.
71.
As the Minister indicated on 27th June, 1974, in his reply to the debate on his Department's Estimate for the period ending 31st December, 1974, a decision as to the proper way to preserve Asgard will be made when the vessel ceases to be used for sail training purposes.
In the reply to which I have referred, the Minister also indicated that the drawings and specification of the proposed new sail training vessel were due to be considered at a meeting of the sail training committee. The committee decided to make inquiries from appropriate independent specialists about certain aspects of the plans before tenders for the construction of the vessel were invited. Such inquiries have since been made and a further meeting of the committee has been arranged for 18th December, 1974.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate if it is intended to put this work out to tender in the near future?
I think it would be premature for me to indicate any intention. I do not think there is any firm intention until the committee to which I have referred have reported.