Mr. Ted Owens:

An independent assessment was done by a marine assessor who indicated that if that boat was to get the P6 passenger licence and to travel offshore, it would cost up to €150,000. There is no way that I would spend that kind of money on the boat but some work has been carried out on it. The boat will not go to sea. That kind of money will not be expended on it. In terms of any moneys that would be expended, I would be seeking prior approval from the Department. The boat is being used as a floating classroom. That is the plan for the moment as well as for the type of activity that I spoke about in terms boat maintenance and seafaring skills. Those are the types of activities that the VEC did, or the ETB now does, in west Cork.