Vol. 535 No. 4
230 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when she decided to issue the licence to alter the Asgard; the issues which influenced her to opt for restoration rather than conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12742/01]
231 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, in view of the widespread opposition to the so called plan to restore the Asgard, she will now consider rescinding the licence to alter which she issued in December 1999 to the Asgard Restoration Project Group. [12743/01]
232 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the conservation and restoration work which has been carried out on the Asgard since its removal from Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin 8; and if she has satisfied herself that it is being given the care and protection that is due to an archaeological object and a national treasure. [12744/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 to 232, inclusive, together.
As I have stated before, there are two legitimate but differing opinions held in relation to the preservation of the Asgard. These are, to conserve the vessel as a static exhibit in a museum, or to restore the vessel to full sailing condition so that it may take to the seas again. Both options were examined by my Department. The Government endorsed my recommendation that the most appropriate manner of preserving the memory of the history of this famous ketch was to have it restored to sail with a view to navigating the seas around Ireland and further afield again. Accordingly, in December 1999 I issued a licence to alter the Asgard in order to facilitate its restoration to full sailing condition.
I would remind the Deputy that the Asgard is the property of the Minister for Defence and my sole function in relation to it was the issue of the licence to alter. However, the Asgard restoration project has assured my Department, and the National Museum of Ireland, that it will provide the necessary care and protection due to this historic national treasure.
