Vol. 507 No. 3
60 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence the number of horses in the equestrian school; if his Department has purchased new stock in 1999; and if he has satisfied himself that the present stock adequately represents the Irish bloodstock industry. [16668/99]
The mission of the Army Equitation School, as assigned to it on its establishment in 1926, is to advertise the Irish non-thoroughbred horse. The school has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years. Through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish horse.
The equitation school has at the present time a total of 41 horses, six of which are on lease. To date in 1999, three horses have been purchased for the school. I am satisfied the equitation school has the quality horses necessary to enable it to carry out the mission assigned to it on its establishment.
