Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the importance of the Asgard in terms of its rarity in ship design and historical value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7649/05]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if immediate steps will be taken to commence the agreed conservation programme on the Asgard during its 100th anniversary year in order that the work be completed and the Asgard be put on public display as part of the 90th anniversary commemoration of the 1916 Rising in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7651/05]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding that has been allocated to complete the agreed conservation programme on the Asgard; and the agency to which the funding has been allocated. [7652/05]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected cost of the agreed conservation programme on the Asgard; the cost of the proposed custom built unit for locating and conserving the Asgard in the National Museum at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; if funding has been allocated for this unit; if so, the person to whom; and the details of the staff that have been made available to oversee the move to the custom built unit. [7653/05]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the present location of the Asgard; if it is secure at this location; if its condition is deteriorating; and the agency that is responsible for the Asgard at its present location. [7654/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 269 to 272, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 82 of Thursday 17 February 2005.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the current level of funding in the Heritage Fund; the plans there are to utilise this fund; if funding will be rededicated from the Heritage Fund to commence the agreed conservation programme on the Asgard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7650/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Heritage Fund Act, which was enabled in 2001, established a fund with an overall limit of €12.697 million over the five-year period 2001 to 2005. The balance in the fund is €5,333,423.

The Act does not permit the use of heritage fund moneys for conservation works and therefore, the conservation of the Asgard is not eligible for assistance therefrom.