Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the conservation work on the [i]Asgard I [/i]will be completed; if it is his intention to exhibit the restored vessel in different locations around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3384/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The conservation of the Asgard is a unique project to protect in the long term a vessel of both National and international importance for future generations to view and appreciate.

The Asgard is an archaeological object as defined in the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004. It is fitting therefore that it should find a home in the National Museum in close proximity to the related military and historical collections.

The vessel is currently undergoing conservation at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. It is being conserved by a small specialist professional conservation team of highly skilled shipwrights.

The main conservation project is expected to be completed by end June 2010. When the project ends Erskine Childers enigmatic yacht Asgard will be restored to her original grandeur, with the majority of her original structure intact and secure for the future.

My Department will engage with the National Museum and Office of Public Works on how the Asgard might be put on display at the Museum when the conservation works are completed.