Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - The Asgard.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

879 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if the historic vessel, the Asgard, will be conserved to the highest international standards; if she will give a commitment that the Asgard will be housed in a suitable dry dock; the advice she has taken on this issue, both nationally and internationally; if she has consulted with such maritime museum specialists such as the British Maritime Museum at Greenwich; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1914/02]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I refer the Deputy to my replies of 12 December 2001 – No. 116 – and 29 May 2001 – No. 59 – on the matter. The vessel is owned by the Minister for Defence and my sole responsibility in relation to it relates to the issue of a licence to alter the vessel as required by the National Monuments Acts. Before taking my decision on the issue of the licence, I consulted my Government colleagues on the matter. The Cabinet and I agreed that the preservation of the memory of the Asgard would be best served through the vessel's restoration to full sailing condition. Accordingly, I authorised the issue of a licence to alter the vessel. The licence requires close and continuing contact with the National Museum of Ireland in relation to the proposed alteration works.