Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea. I thank Deputies Deenihan and Coveney for raising the matter.

Yesterday, the Minister announced he had accepted the recommendation from the board of Coiste An Asgard on the possibility of salvaging the sail-training vessel Asgard II. The board's unanimous recommendation was that a salvage operation should not be pursued any further and the Minister concurred with this view having carefully considered its report to him.

Spending approximately €2 million on a salvage effort, the outcome of which would be uncertain, cannot be afforded at this time. A real risk exists whereby more than €2 million could be expended on a salvage effort that proves unsuccessful or, following which, the vessel is found to be damaged beyond repair. Until the vessel is salvaged, it would not be possible to assess whether it can be restored and the cost of doing so. Clearly, the greater the damage, the higher the cost of restoration.

Asgard II is a 30-year old wooden vessel that would have faced ever-increasing maintenance costs. The board was of the opinion that even after full restoration, the vessel might have ongoing maintenance problems. In addition, the possibility of increased regulatory requirements by the Department of Transport could add substantially to the cost of restoration. The board also took into account that parents of potential trainees may be reluctant to allow their children to sail on a vessel that had sunk.

While the name Asgard has been associated with two important vessels, it is also about sail-training and introducing young people to the experience of sailing. The Minister's priority is to ensure the continuation of the sail-training scheme. The Minister accepted the board's recommendation to initiate planning for the procurement of a new steel hulled vessel, similar in design to Asgard II . A steel hulled vessel would be less expensive to build and maintain than a wooden hulled vessel. It is also hoped that the future Asgard III would have facilities to cater for persons with physical disabilities, which the Asgard II could not.

The Minister knows it was a difficult conclusion for the board to reach, but it is one he accepts as being right and sensible. The costs and risks involved in attempting to salvage and restore Asgard II are too great. There is no doubt it was an outstanding sail-training vessel, held in the highest regard both at home and abroad. She was an excellent ambassador for the country for 30 years. However, the Minister believes the measures outlined for a new vessel will ensure sail-training in this country continues.

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