asked the Minister for Defence the number of young horses bought for the Army Equitation School during the past four years; their average age; the average price; the number of horses sold during the same period; and the average price obtained for them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Horse Purchases.
4.
In the past four years 30 horses were bought for the Army Equitation School; their average age was six and two-third years; the number of horses sold during the same period was 24. It would be contrary to my Department's practice to give any indication of the purchase and sale prices of the horses in question, such matters being treated as confidential.
The information the Minister has given the House is incorrect because on occasions in the past other Ministers have given the same information. What has this Minister to hide in relation to the purchase and sale of Army horses? Will he indicate how they are purchased and sold, who sells them and where the information leaks come from? He is concealing information from the House and I demand that he gives it. We make moneys available in the Estimates and we are entitled to know how they are spent and also what amounts are received for the sale of the Army horses.
I have informed the Deputy that the purchase and sale prices of the horses in question are matters that are treated as confidential. He must have some degree of responsibility and must realise that to disclose the prices could have an effect on the purchase of horses at a future date. Naturally, the very best and most superior type of animal is purchased. I have every confidence that the Army Equitation School will discharge their duties in purchasing the very best horses and I have every confidence in the manner in which they spend the money allocated for that purpose.
The Minister is grossly misleading the House when he says that the information requested has not been disclosed to the House. In the past the House has got information regarding the purchase price of the horses and the individuals from whom the horses were purchased. The House has also got information regarding horses sold by the Army and the average price. Is the Minister ashamed to give the average purchase and sale price?
I am not prepared to disclose information which should be treated as confidential.
What is the Minister hiding?
I am calling Question No. 5.
We are entitled to information on this matter. We make moneys available to the Defence Forces for the purchase of horses. I appeal to the Chair for assistance in this matter, to get information that is asked for in this simple question. The Minister is hiding information——
I would remind the Deputy that this is Question Time. I have called Question No. 5.
I am asking the Chair how I may get the information requested. I want information regarding the purchase and sale of horses by the Army.
The Deputy should go to the sales.
Is there any way that information may be obtained? It appears the Minister is concealing it from the House.
The Chair cannot compel the Minister or any other Member to speak in the House in any particular manner. I have called Question No. 5.