asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of times in the past 12 months the Asgard has put to sea; the area covered; if Ministers or ex-Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries were on board; and their names.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Asgard Cruises.
21.
The Asgard made 20 cruises in the past 12 months to points on the east, south and west coasts of Ireland, to Scotland, Wales, England and France. No Ministers, ex-Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries were on board on any of these cruises.
What did it cost to run this boat in the past 12 months? What are the running costs?
£6,000 a year.
For pleasure cruises?
No. We are training a lot of young people in sea craft. The last time I was on board the Asgard was at Burtonport in County Donegal. On that occasion, there was an all-girl crew on board. Young girls were learning the art of sailing.
Why is this boat not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defence?
It is under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public Works.