Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of tenders received to date for the re-floating of the [i]Asgard II[/i]; when a decision will be made on the possible re-floating of the vessel; the progress that has been made with regard to the possible use of a temporary replacement vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42760/08]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the recovery of the [i]Asgard II[/i]; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42780/08]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made in deciding to salvage the [i]Asgard 11[/i]: the outcome to the tender process to salvage the vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43171/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 119 and 215 together.

Allianz Plc., with which Asgard II was insured in the sum of €3.8m, has conducted a tender competition for the salvage of the vessel. The proposals submitted are still under consideration. I expect that a decision as to whether to proceed with a salvage operation will be made within about two weeks. The question of procuring a temporary replacement vessel for Asgard II is still under consideration.