Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason the [i]Asgard II[/i] is not to be salvaged; if he will commission the building of a new vessel to replace the [i]Asgard II[/i]; the cost of such a commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7036/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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At its last meeting, the Board of Coiste An Asgard had a full discussion on the possibility of salvaging the Asgard II. The unanimous view of the Board was that a salvage operation should not be pursued any further. Having carefully considered the Board's report to me, I have accepted its recommendation. Spending in the region of €2 million on a salvage effort, the outcome of which is uncertain, is a risk that we cannot afford at this time. A real risk exists that more than €2 million could be expended on a salvage effort that proves unsuccessful or, following which, the vessel is found to be damaged beyond repair. The fact is, that until the vessel is salvaged, it would not be possible to assess whether it can be restored and the cost of doing so. Clearly, the greater the damage, the higher the cost of restoration.

The Asgard II is a 30-year-old wooden vessel that would have faced ever-increasing maintenance costs in the years ahead. The Board was of the view that even after a full restoration, the vessel might have on-going maintenance problems. In addition, the possibility of increased regulatory requirements by the Department of Transport could add substantially to the cost of restoration. The Board also took into account the view that parents of potential trainees may be reluctant to allow their children to sail on a vessel that has sunk.

I have accepted the Board's recommendation to initiate planning for the procurement of a new vessel that will be similar in design to Asgard II but with a steel hull (a steel hulled vessel would be less expensive to build and maintain than a wooden hulled vessel). It is not possible at this stage to give an estimated cost of building a new vessel other than to say that it would be substantial. It is only when we receive tenders that we will know the cost. However, I am hopeful that the insured sum of €3.8m will go a long way towards funding a new ship. I would also hope that the future Asgard III would have facilities to cater for persons with physical disabilities, something the Asgard II could not.

I know that it was a very difficult conclusion for the Board to reach, but it is one I accept as being right and sensible. The costs and risks involved in attempting to salvage and restore Asgard II are too great. There is no doubt Asgard II was an outstanding sail-training vessel and was held in the highest regard both at home and abroad. She was an excellent ambassador for this country for close on 30 years.