asked the Minister for Defence if arrangements will be made to have membership of the Equitation School open to all ranks in the Army.
Ceistéanna—Questions Oral Answers - Equitation School Membership.
17.
I assume that the Deputy has in mind the participation of all ranks in equitation competitions. While I would be happy to see non-commissioned officers and privates, as well as officers, participating in such competitions, the absence of mounted troops renders it difficult to discern non-commissioned personnel with the potential to make suitable riders. In the case of officers, equitation is part of the curriculum at the Cadet School and in this way potentially suitable riders can be selected for attachment to the Equitation School. Obviously this course would not be feasible in the case of non-commissioned personnel.
I am, however, examining the whole situation in this regard.