Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The answer to Deputy Deenihan's last question is that the vessel is still owned by the Department of Defence. As regards giving a salvage opportunity to others, I already said in my initial announcement that a number of people have been in touch with my Department and have written to newspapers to say they would be willing to make a contribution towards salvaging the Asgard. I intend to put a system in place through the board of Coiste an Asgard to facilitate them should they so wish.

It has not been communicated to me that we have any obligation to remove the vessel. However, I am putting a system in place whereby people can make a voluntary contribution if they wish. If the contributions are sufficiently high we could possibly top them up. I am keeping that option open.

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