Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Senator noted, the Asgard IIsank in 2008. The Government subsequently decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued, as recommended in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes. Significant capital and ongoing costs are associated with investing in a national sail training vessel and a detailed analysis would be required prior to any new Exchequer funding being committed.

The Department of Defence provides funding to Sail Training Ireland, a charity founded by individuals previously involved with Coiste an Asgard. A performance delivery agreement stipulates that €85,000 be used to provide a sail training experience for 50 trainees from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sail Training Ireland has an all-island focus, supporting trainees from both North and South, and charters vessels rather than owning and operating them. I am advised that no sail training took place in 2020 or 2021 due to Covid restrictions. It is anticipated that funding will be provided in 2022, subject to the resumption of a sail-training programme.

Separately, in 2015, as part of the Fresh Start agreement, the Government undertook to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to agree on a funding plan for the Atlantic Youth Trust project. A similar commitment was included in the 2016 programme for Government. The proposal was to build a new tall ship at an estimated cost of €15 million, with an ongoing funding requirement. Officials in my Department held meetings with the promoters and the Department for Communities in Belfast to explore the project. Progress was slow, in part due to political difficulties in the North. There is a commitment in the current programme for Government to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to build on plans to deliver a youth development sail training project to provide opportunities for interaction and engagement for young people both North and South. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is also involved in fulfilling this commitment. On 24 September 2021, a new submission was received from the Atlantic Youth Trust. I believe this is the proposal the Senator is referring to. Officials from my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media met with representatives of the Atlantic Youth Trust yesterday, 13 October, to discuss the submission and request further information on a number of matters. The trust has committed to revert on a number of the queries raised. Clear guidelines have been issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to evaluating any such proposals.

The Government is currently engaged with two sail training organisations, and we remain supportive of the principles of the sail training programme. We would like to see this run on an all-island basis, where possible. I look forward to progressing in a positive way.