asked the Minister for Defence whether a horse was purchased for the Army Jumping Team since 31st March last and, if so, from whom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Jumping Team Horse.
24.
One horse was purchased for the Army Jumping Team since 31st March, 1967 from Mr. John White, M.R.C.V.S., Annfield, Clonsilla, Co. Dublin.
Would the Minister say whether he was the owner of the horse or the agent of the owner?
The Horse Purchase Board bought this horse on 9th May, three days ago, and I am unable to say whether Mr. Jack White was the previous owner or not, but I can safely say he is one of the best judges of horses in this country.
Maybe that is why he sold it to the Army.
He would know a good horse.
Would the Minister say why the horse in question was purchased against the advice given to the Army?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy seems to have more information about the purchase of this horse than I have. If that is so, I do not see why he should keep it to himself.
I am not doing so.
This was a public purchase of a horse by the Horse Purchase Board. The Board is constituted of a senior officer of the Department of Defence, the officer commanding the Equitation School and a veterinary officer of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. They buy the horses. If the Deputy has any complaint to make, he should make it to me.
Question No. 25.
The Minister appreciates that I have been given information and I am discharging my duty in giving that information to the House. If the Minister did the same it would be most helpful.
What information has the Deputy given?
I have asked the Minister a question and the purpose of questions is to elicit information from Ministers.
What information is the Deputy giving?
I am seeking it.
The Deputy is making an allegation in his supplementary question and I am seeking the information he has, if he has any. Of course, he is only chancing his arm.
The same thing was done at the Ard-Fheis—mud-slinging.
The people on the opposite benches are very touchy.
Some of the mud might arrive, cash on delivery.
(Interruptions.)
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle has called the next question.