Written answers

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

Department of Defence

Asgard II Replacement Vessel

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made regarding the possible refloating of the [i]Asgard II[/i]; if a temporary replacement vessel has been procured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/09]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made with regard to the possible use of a temporary replacement vessel for the [i]Asgard II[/i]; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3505/09]

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the raising of [i]Asgard II[/i] from the seabed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3383/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 128 and 132 together.

A meeting of the board of Coiste an Asgard is taking place this afternoon at which the possible salvage of Asgard II will be further considered. Arising from that meeting I expect to get a recommendation from the board within the next day or two as to whether or not to proceed with a salvage operation. I will then make a decision on the matter without delay.

The Board of an Coiste is actively pursuing the question of obtaining a temporary replacement vessel. I am hopeful that it will be possible to acquire a suitable vessel over the next couple of months and that this will allow a programme of cruises to be put in place commencing about May and continuing up to September/October.

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