Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason for his decision not to proceed with plans to salvage the [i]Asgard II[/i]; if his attention has been drawn to the disappointment his decision has caused, particularly to persons who have received training on the vessel and others who hoped to do so in the future; if he will reconsider the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9758/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have accepted the unanimous recommendation of the board of Coiste an Asgard not to proceed with the salvage of Asgard II. The main reason for that decision was that I considered that the risks were too great to commit to spending a sum in the region of €2 million at this time on a salvage effort where the outcome is uncertain. I also had to consider the cost of restoration, which cannot be accurately assessed until after the vessel is raised. Obviously, the greater the damage caused to the vessel, the higher the cost of restoration. The decision not to proceed with a salvage operation was taken after very thorough consideration of all relevant factors and I regret that I am not in a position to reconsider that decision.

However, as I have already stated, while I cannot commit public monies to a salvage operation, I will consider any realistic and funded proposals from private individuals or groups with regard to the future of Asgard II.