Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister aware of comments made by the former captain of the Asgard, Captain Newport? He said he believed that the Asgard could be salvaged, repaired and hopefully restored as a sail training vessel. Is the Minister also aware of similar observations by the Asgard's crew? In addition, a person who was there at the time of the last survey felt the ship was in sufficient shape to be salvaged. Does the Minister reject the claims by Captain Newport who questioned the competency of the board of Coiste an Asgard to make such a decision? Does the Minister agree with Captain Newport that there is an obligation on the Government to remove the vessel from French waters?

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