Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Museum.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

357 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, in view of the matters brought to public attention in a newspaper (details supplied) of 10 February 2002 concerning recommendations of the National Museum of Ireland to conserve the Asgard, and in view of the cost overruns on the reconstruction of the Jeanie Johnson, consideration will be given to revoking the licence granted to alter the Asgard, and an allocation of funds made available to conserve the Asgard to the highest international standards; and if he will consider the construction of a dry dock at Howth with an appropriate museum to chart the history of the Asgard. [5520/02]

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

I understand that ath-choiriú an Asgard teo, – the Asgard restoration project – has run into some difficulties and is unlikely to be in a position to commence the restoration of the vessel. In view of the altered circumstances, the matter of the return of the licence will now be raised by me with the project. I, together with the Minister for Defence, intend to explore, in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland, the best course of action to take in relation to the future of the vessel.