Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2009
125 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made regarding the possible refloating of the Asgard II; if a temporary replacement vessel has been procured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/09]
View answer128 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the progress made with regard to the possible use of a temporary replacement vessel for the Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3505/09]
View answer132 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the raising of Asgard II from the seabed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3383/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 128 and 132 together.
A meeting of the board of Coiste an Asgard is taking place this afternoon at which the possible salvage of Asgard II will be further considered. Arising from that meeting I expect to get a recommendation from the board within the next day or two as to whether or not to proceed with a salvage operation. I will then make a decision on the matter without delay.
The Board of an Coiste is actively pursuing the question of obtaining a temporary replacement vessel. I am hopeful that it will be possible to acquire a suitable vessel over the next couple of months and that this will allow a programme of cruises to be put in place commencing about May and continuing up to September/October.
