Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Defence if at any stage he was advised that [i]Asgard II [/i]could be raised; the length of time involved in preparing surveys assessing the condition of the [i]Asgard II [/i]underwater; if those surveys recorded a decline in the condition of [i]Asgard II[/i] due to the length of time underwater; if provided with private finance, he would support a raising of [i]Asgard II[/i]; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9866/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In so far as I am concerned, the question as to whether or not Asgard II could be raised is not an issue. The main factors that have to be considered are the likely cost of a salvage operation, the condition of the vessel after salvage and, if the vessel is capable of being restored, the cost of restoration. As the Deputy is aware, the board of An Coiste unanimously recommended to me that a salvage operation should not be undertaken, and I accepted that recommendation.

During the period from the sinking of the vessel on 11 September 2008 up to the end of November, the initial underwater survey was carried out and a preferred salvage contractor was identified as a result of a tender process conducted by the insurer of the vessel, Allianz Plc. That initial survey revealed that the vessel was lying upright in some 80m of water and appeared to be largely intact other than some visible damage to one of the hull planks. Apart from that, the survey did not reveal anything about the extent of damage to the vessel.

Following consideration of the outcome of the tender process, the board of An Coiste decided in early December that a further underwater survey should be carried out as soon as possible. However, it did not prove possible to arrange that survey until 28 January 2009. In the event, it was not possible to complete the survey due to adverse weather conditions. However, a sonar image of the vessel was obtained which appeared to show it to be still in an upright position.

As I have already indicated, I am open to considering any realistic and funded proposals from private individuals or groups as to the future of the vessel.