Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Finance the responsibility the OPW has and has had for the conservation programme of the Asgard; the dedicated funds that were pledged for the programme; if these funds can be transferred to the National Museum to allow this work to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Asgard is an archaeological object as defined by the National Monuments Act, 1930 and as amended by the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, and as such, the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism takes responsibility for its preservation.

The Asgard, by arrangement with the National Museum of Ireland, is in safe-keeping at John's Road, Inchicore, under the care of my office. The National Museum of Ireland requested my office to examine the feasibility of developing a permanent exhibition facility for the Asgard within the NMI Collins Barracks complex. OPW has identified a number of possible locations within Collins Barracks and has written to the National Museum seeking detailed information regarding such matters as exact dimensions, conservation requirements, display criteria and interpretation. A response to this request is awaited from the National Museum. On receipt of full information, a feasibility report can be finalised by June of this year.