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

I thank the Senator for raising this issue and showing an interest in it. He appreciates the value of sail training and the opportunities it opens up for many young people who may otherwise not have the opportunity to benefit from it. I have spoken to many people, some of whom I know well, who say that their time on the Asgardchanged the direction of their lives as a result of the people they met and the experiences they had. That is effectively what sail training is about. Looking at the models in other countries, I believe the best model is that of New Zealand, which is operated by the Spirit of New Zealand Trust. Through the schools in New Zealand, people are selected to be part of that sail training programme for set periods, which benefits them as individuals in terms of personal growth, confidence, teamwork and all of the other things that sail training can potentially uniquely provide for those who benefit from it. The Government acknowledges the significant benefits that sail training brings to the personal and social development of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities. The Government's support for sail training is evidenced by my Department's funding of Sail Training Ireland and our engagement with the Atlantic Youth Trust on its proposal for an additional sail training project in Ireland.

It is important to note that any funding of new sail training vessel, combined with an ongoing maintenance fund, would require a substantial financial commitment from the Government. Prior to any such commitment, it is essential that the proposal be assessed in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's guidelines and that it provides value for money. In other words, this needs robust assessment. A generous offer has been put to the Government and we are considering it. I hope we will be able to work with both the Atlantic Youth Trust and Sail Training Ireland to provide a project that is exciting and positive but that also provides value for money and is run in a fully transparent way. Most importantly, it must enable us to provide a platform for sail training in Ireland from which many young people can benefit.