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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 5

Written Answers. - Future Role of Asgard.

Question:

17 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has concluded her discussion with the Heritage Council on the future role for the Asgard; the recommendations, if any, of the working group established in February 1999 to produce recommendations for the future of this vessel; if her attention has been drawn to the views of the Department of Defence in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17289/99]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

47 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has in relation to the future of the Asgard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19142/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 47 together.

I refer the Deputies to my replies to Questions Nos. 705, 710, 716, 720 and 721 of 29 Meán Fómhair last and to today's Priority Question on this topic.

As I explained in my earlier reply today, originally, the Inland Waterways Standing Committee of the Heritage Council, met with the Asgard Restoration Project Company (ARP) in late 1996 and indicated its support for the project. However, in December 1998, the Heritage Council's chief executive advised me of the council's intention to form a working group to re-examine the issue, as it is statutorily entitled to do. This working group comprised representatives of the Department of Defence, my own Department, the National Museum of Ireland, the ARP and the Heritage Council with an independent Chairman, Mr. Peter Delamer. I am advised that the Group met on three occasions and made a report to the Heritage Council on its findings. The Heritage Council wrote to me on 30 March 1999 stating that the council having considered the working group's report, now recommended that the ideal solution for the boat was its full conservation, display and interpretation as a land-based exhibit in a suitable location.

I am aware of the views of the Minister for Defence who, I should emphasise, is the actual owner of the Asgard. My role in this matter is strictly to deal with the application for a licence to alter it under the national monuments Acts and the future of the vessel is a matter for the owner when I have arrived at a considered decision in the case.

As I have indicated in my earlier reply today, I will now be considering in detail the application for a licence to alter the Asgard from the ARP in the light of the expert advice, and information available to me and the representations made on this matter, including the views of my Cabinet colleagues, and any other consultation I deem necessary.

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