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.