John Gormley
Ceist:705 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the recommendations made by the Asgard restoration project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17377/99]
Written Answers. - Asgard Restoration Project.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:710 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concern regarding the proposed conservation programme for the Asgard; if she has considered the proposals of the Asgard restoration project in view of representations made to her; if she will reconsider this entire matter with a view to giving a new life in a sea environment for which the Asgard was originally intended in view of the substantial costs associated with its conservation and permanent housing in a museum environment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17628/99]
Noel Ahern
Ceist:716 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when a decision on the future of the Asgard will be made; if her attention has been drawn to the long campaign by the Asgard restoration project for a full seagoing option; if she will support the campaign; the annual cost of keeping the ship as a museum piece; the way this cost can be justified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17656/99]
Austin Currie
Ceist:720 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the representations of the Asgard Restoration Project Ltd., in favour of the restoration of this historic yacht to seagoing condition; if so, her views in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17887/99]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:721 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views in relation to the future of the Asgard; her further views regarding the position of the Department of Defence and the Asgard restoration project who favour the yacht being restored to sailing condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18005/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 705, 710, 716, 720 and 721 together.
I refer the Deputies to my replies to Question No. 29 of 3 June 1999 and Question No. 232 of 11 May 1999.
Asgard Restoration Project Limited has sought a licence under the National Monuments Acts to refit the original Asgard vessel for sailing. I am presently awaiting the advice of the National Museum of Ireland on the licence application. Until I have received and considered this advice I am sure the Deputies will appreciate that it would be premature to comment on the merits of the project. I can confirm, however, that the representations of Asgard Restoration Project Limited have been brought to my attention and to the attention of many members of this House and will inform my consideration of the application.