The Fine Gael marine spokesman, Mr Simon Coveney, has called on the Government to commission a viability study on the Jeanie Johnston replica famine ship.
Mr Coveney, who believes the ship should be run by the State, made his comments on the eve of publication of a poll among sailors, which found overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the ship as a sail training vessel.
In a separate development, the Department of Communications and Natural Resources has confirmed that the controversial ship has successfully completed its sea trials and has been found to be "totally seaworthy".
Mr Coveney said that it was unfair to expect Kerry County Council to run the vessel and that the Minister for Communications and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern, should take full responsibility for it. It would also be a scandal if it was used purely as a museum piece, he said.
The ship,which has cost €14.35 million - almost four times its original estimate - should be given an opportunity to pay for itself and generate income through a mixture of functions, Mr Coveney said.
His suggested uses include sail training, corporate hospitality and diplomatic missions abroad.
The Department of Communications and Natural Resources is supporting efforts by Kerry County Council to take the vessel over, ensuring that trade creditors are paid and preventing the ship being sold through a receiver. It is understood that the council hopes to complete the takeover within the next three to four weeks.
The survey of sailors, published in this month's edition of Afloat magazine, found that 90 per cent of respondents wanted the ship to be retained in State ownership. Most respondents said that it could prove invaluable for sail training.
The Department of Communications and Natural Resources has estimated that it would cost €1.25 million annually to maintain the vessel, and says the Department of Defence is responsible for sail training.
