Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 540: To ask the Minister for Defence his plan for a replacement sail training vessel for the Asgard II for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5165/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of settling the Estimates for my Department for 2010, the Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure.

The decision to discontinue the scheme was a difficult one. I am conscious of the fact that it will come as a great disappointment to many. However, the reality is that in the current difficult economic situation there is no option but to make reductions in all areas of public expenditure, including Defence. In that regard my priority is to ensure that the Defence Forces have the resources to discharge their allotted tasks at home and abroad.