asked the Minister for Defence if he will state how many horses have been purchased for the Army Equitation School; and the total cost of these horses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Equitation School.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether the horses purchased for the Army Equitation School were bought by an individual or by a committee; if he will state the name and address of the person or persons who made the purchases; also, if he will state how any such persons were selected; and what remuneration, if any, was paid.
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
When it was decided this year to re-establish the Army School of Equitation, I appointed the following gentlemen as a board to purchase the horses required for the school:—The Right Hon. Mr. Justice Wylie; Dr. D. Twomey, Secretary, Department of Agriculture; Captain Mark Heffernan, Veterinary Surgeon. The services of Judge Wylie are given gratuitously. Dr. Twomey as Secretary to Department of Agriculture, and Captain Heffernan do not receive any remuneration in this regard additional to their official salaries.
Fifteen horses have been acquired for the school to date at a total cost of £3,204 10s. 5d.
Is the Minister aware that the public are not satisfied with the manner in which these horses were purchased? Is he also aware that one of those individuals seems to have a monopoly in regard to those purchases of horses and can delegate his powers of purchase? Would it not appear that the Army Equitation School is best qualified to deal with the purchase of those horses?
I am satisfied that the work is being carried out satisfactorily.
Well, the public are not.
Will the Minister say if there is any particular reason why the matter of the purchase of these horses was taken out of the hands of the Army authorities?
No.