asked the Minister for Defence if tenders were received for the building of the new sail training vessel, Brendan; if there is a final Government decision to build it and, if so, when building will commence

As the Deputy is aware, tenders for the building of a new sail training vessel were invited in March, 1975, and one tender was received. A contract has not since been placed. The matter, however, is now under active consideration.

Was a decision taken to go ahead with this new sail training vessel?

No decision was taken to provide money to go ahead with this vessel.

When was the decision taken to go ahead with it, without the provision of money?

A decision was taken by the Government on the 28th June this year, following the general election

Arising from that, was there any indication as to where the money would come from? Was there any projection in the Estimates of the cost of this?

When is it envisaged that a tender will be given out for this vessel? I hope it is the decision of the present Government that this tender will be carried out.

I can inform the Deputy that tenders for the construction of the vessel were invited in March, 1975. Only one tender was received and the sanction of the Minister for Finance was sought on 10th September, 1975, for the acceptance of that tender. The sanction was never given.

I take it that there is money now available and that the tender will be placed.

The Minister is in contact with the Minister for Finance regarding this matter.

Was money put aside in the Estimate since the decision was taken on the 28th of June?

Not one penny has been provided.

Order.

No money was provided.