Vol. 519 No. 3
75 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the current number of horses in the Equitation School; if it is intended to purchase horses this year; the number of officers attached to the school; the plans there are for the future of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13691/00]
There are 47 horses at the Equitation School, including 11 international showjumpers and 11 national showjumpers. The remainder includes student standard horses and a small number of brood mares. There are ten officers in the Equitation School, seven of whom are riding officers.
My Department continues to source high quality Irish bred horses for the Equitation School for competition at home and abroad and I intend to ensure that sufficient numbers of good quality horses will continue to be acquired by the school this year to maintain the proud tradition of that establishment.
The White Paper on Defence, which was approved by Government in February of this year recognises the unique role of the Equitation School, with its mission to promote the Irish horse abroad through participation in international competitions. The school has been, and will continue to be, an excellent show-case for Irish non-thoroughbred horses.
