asked the Minister for Defence arising from his answer to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 10, 23 and 60 of 2 December 1987, if he will explain the purchase by the Army Equitation School of two thoroughbred horses at a recent national hunt sale for £19,500, in the light of his expressed policy for the equitation school to advertise the Irish non-thoroughbred horse; and in the light of a decrease in their budget of 47 per cent for 1988.
Written Answers. - Army Equitation School.
198.
Limerick West): The established function of the Army Equitation School is to advertise the Irish horse. In pursuance of this, purchases have normally been from the non-thoroughbred sector but, on occasion, a particular animal may be selected to meet a specific need.