Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:150. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his plans regarding the Army Equitation School; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13800/14]
View answerTuesday, 25 March 2014
Questions (150)
Written answers
The mission of the Army Equitation School is to promote the Irish horse through participation in international competition at the highest level. The Equitation School has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years and, through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish horse. Army riders competing on Irish bred horses provide an instantly recognisable symbol of Ireland at prestigious international events. In addition to its competition activity, the Equitation School continues to support the Irish horse industry and it encourages breeders and producers, who may have horses suitable for top-level competition, to have them assessed by the School with a view to their purchase or lease. I believe that the Army Equitation School is an emblematic feature of the Defence Forces and that it plays an important role in the promotion of Irish horses and the Irish horse industry. There are no plans to make changes to the operation of the Army Equitation School.