Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of people who have taken part in the national sail training programme in each of the past five years; the cost to the Exchequer of the national sail training programme in each of the past five years; his plans in relation to the national sail training programme in view of the fact that the [i]Asgard II[/i] is not to be salvaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7035/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The total number of trainees who have taken part in the National Sail Training Programme over the last five years is 1861. The cost to the Exchequer, through grants from the National Lottery over those years has been €4,247,000. The following is a breakdown of those figures:

While the name "Asgard" has been associated with important vessels, it is also about sail training and introducing young people to the experience of sailing. My priority is to ensure the continuation of the sail-training scheme. Pending the acquisition of a new vessel, the following arrangements will be put in place in the interim:

(1) A limited cruise programme (mainly in Irish waters) will be provided on the Creidne, which was used by Coiste an Asgard for sail training prior to Asgard II. It is now under the control of the Naval Service. A programme of extensive refurbishment of the Creidne is nearing completion and the vessel is expected to be available by May.

(2) An Coiste plans to reserve a number of places on an overseas sail training vessel during the tall ships races.