Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Defence the proposed timetable for the acquisition of a replacement for the [i]Asgard II[/i]; the funding allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9759/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Board of Coiste an Asgard has initiated planning for the procurement of a vessel similar in design to Asgard II but with a steel hull. A steel hulled vessel is less expensive to build and maintain than a wooden 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 tenders are received 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.