Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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603. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Asgard boat (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41325/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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From 2007 to 2012, a major conservation programme of the Asgard was undertaken by the National Museum at Collins Barracks. An expert team, led by Master Shipwright and Ship Conservator, John Kearon, set out to conserve the Asgard, while retaining the structural integrity of the vessel and preserving as much of the existing original material as possible. The historic yacht is now on exhibition in Collins Barracks, where it ties in closely with two other historical exhibitions there - The Easter Rising: Understanding 1916and Soldiers and Chiefs:Irish Soldiers at Home and Abroad Since 1500.

There are no plans at present to move the Asgard from its current location. It is a key element in the Museum's Irish history galleries and will form part of an integrated visitor experience with the Museum's new exhibition on the Easter Rising Proclaiming a Republic - the 1916 Rising, which will open in early March 2016.