Vol. 482 No. 2
55 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the discussions, if any, she has had with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence about the fate of the Asgard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17413/97]
It is intended, in view of the historical significance of the Asgard, which is owned by the Minister for Defence, to retain it in State ownership. In this regard, options for the future of the vessel are being considered at present.
The former Minister for Defence and current Minister for Foreign Affairs advised me recently that he favours the authentic presentation of this historically significant artefact by the National Museum in Collins Barracks.
I will be examining the Minister's recommendation in the context of the report in preparation by a firm of museum consultants on the future uses of Collins Barracks for the National Museum. It is not possible to say that it will be located there or the manner in which it would be displayed until the report of consultants appointed to examine the use of areas of the complex has been received and considered.
