Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the percentage of the 2023 budget allocation for purchasing new horses for the Defence Forces equitation school that was actually spent; and if any of underspend from the 2023 budget is automatically forwarded to the 2024 budget for same. [3880/24]
View answerThe School’s budget allocation in 2023 for horse acquisitions was initially set at €350,000. Additional funding was secured in 2023 as the Horse Purchase Board identified a number of suitable horses that were available for purchase. Five new horses were bought in 2023 as well as payments made for the continued lease of two horses. The total cost of these payments was €524,500. The School’s budget allocation in 2024 for horse acquisitions is set at €500,000.
