asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the arrangement whereby Bord na gCapall have been afforded facilities at McKee Barracks.
31.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na gCapall Facilities.
30.
asked the Minister for Defence if the facilities of the Army Equitation School are currently being used for the training of civilian riders and horses.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
Negotiations are in progress between my Department and Bord na gCapall for (i) the provision of stabling and other facilities in the Equitation School, McKee Barracks, Dublin, for the bord's horses, and (ii) the use of training facilities at the school by civilian riders selected by the board.
It is not the practice to furnish details of the financial and other conditions governing a transaction of this nature.
Would the Minister say whether he is prepared to state if riding in the Army will be open to privates and NCOs and not be reserved for officers?
At the moment I cannot give the Deputy any such assurance.
Do I understand the Minister to have stated that these negotiations are currently in progress?
Yes.
Is it not a fact that facilities have been made available in McKee Barracks? Therefore, is the Minister suggesting that facilities were made available before the negotiations had taken place?
Certain conditions have to be complied with but there is much goodwill between the parties concerned and Bord na gCapall were invited to participate in the negotiations. They can be assured that they will be welcome.
My question was to ask the Minister if the facilities had been advanced to Bord na gCapall before the negotiations had taken place. There is either the one or other answer to that.
The arrangement is proceeding satisfactorily.
Can the Minister assure the House that there is no intention to hand over McKee Barracks to Bord na gCapall?
I can give the Deputy that assurance. The arrangement is solely an interim one.
Would the Minister not agree that the facilities for Bord na gCapall should be provided either near the Curragh or in some part of Cork rather than at McKee Barracks?
I could not agree more.