Peadar Clohessy
Question:9 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Defence the future plans, if any, he has for the Army Equitation School. [11555/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Equitation School.
As the House is aware, the efficiency audit group has completed a review of the organisation and structure of the Defence Forces. The Government will be considering the report in the near future. At present, no decisions of any kind have been taken regarding the Equitation School or any other unit of the Defence Forces.
Because there has been a considerable amount of misinformed speculation about the efficiency audit group, I would like to make it clear that, when the future of the Equitation School is being considered, the focus will be on development. The school has been a source of pride to the Defence Forces and to the people. In recent years, Army riders have achieved considerable success in competitions at home and abroad.
I thank the Minister for his assurance with regard to the Army Equitation School. Last weekend, I attended the launch of a book in Limerick to commemorate the role played by the late Gerry O'Dwyer, one of the founder members of the Equitation School which is dear to the hearts of everyone. It was founded by the Minister's party in 1926 and has been a source of pride for us down through the years. I would be deeply saddened to attend a horse show at which our Army was not represented. In certain circumstances, would the Army be prepared to have horses sponsored by the private sector? Also, will the Equitation School consider taking on female recruits?
I have requested a review of the Equitation School. This school was set up in 1926 with the express intention of promoting the non-thoroughbred horse and has been extremely successful in doing that. Those who regard the Equitation School as a cost to the State should recognise that when our teams go abroad and are represented by the Army Equitation School, they are advertising the Irish horse. I hope we will have new recruits to the school this year. I noted what the Deputy said in relation to gender balance but there is an interviewing process which must take place in accordance with normal rules applying to cadetships in the Defence Forces.
I have spoken to the Chairman of Bord Fáilte about seeking moneys from the board for the Equitation School in its efforts abroad. I made the point that we are promoting Ireland and that we could use the Board Fáilte symbol to indicate it was assisting in funding our terms abroad. I do not have any major objection to sponsorship if it results in better quality horses and more riders. The school recently leased a horse instead of buying one but the whole area of funding in terms of the ongoing purchase of horses will have to be examined. We must continue to recruit new riders to ensure a constant flow of top quality riders to represent us. There is little point in having a good rider and a bad horse representing us abroad. Equally there is little point in having a good horse and a bad rider. We must get the combination right. All these matters are being examined and I would welcome the assistance of Members from all sides of the House. This is not a party political issue; it is an issue that is dear to all. I would be happy to examine ideas or suggestions from Deputies. We are all proud of the Equitation School and we will do everything possible to assist it in future.
I thank the Minister for his efforts on behalf of the Equitation School. As a Minister of State he became personally involved in this matter. As has already been said, the horse has a special place in the hearts of most Irish people. The Equitation School will provide many opportunities for people if it is properly used and if it receives the assistance it so urgently requires. The Minister referred to bad horses and good riders. Six of the winning horses at Royal Ascot yesterday were ridden by Irish jockeys so this is an industry we should not take for granted. I thank the Minister for the concern he has shown in this area.
On a point of information, are new recruits to the Equitation School required to undergo the same military training as ordinary cadets?
Yes. At my request we are making a special effort to recruit people with the required skills but all cadets must be commissioned in the normal way. They are required to do all the other duties because they are Army officers. If something happened to them which resulted in their being unable to ride, they would at least have a career within the Defence Forces. It is only proper, therefore, to afford them that opportunity.