asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the Press report of 3rd March, 1976, that the Army Equitation School is charging excessive rates to Bord na gCapall for the upkeep of jumpers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Equitation School.
18.
Having regard to the facilities and services provided for Bord na gCapall horses at McKee Barracks I am satisfied that the charges involved are fair and reasonable.
19.
asked the Minister for Defence if Bord na gCapall has offered to the Army Equitation School a number of horses for sale; and if he is satisfied that the present number of Army horses is sufficient for international competition.
Bord na gCapall offered three horses for sale to the Army Equitation School. One horse, "Lough Sheelin", has been purchased. I am satisfied that the school has sufficient horses to take part in international competitions.
Is the Minister aware that Bord na gCapall and the Army Equitation School combined receive approximately £1 million per year and this year we have one show jumper to represent Ireland at the Olympics and it does not belong to either Bord na gCapall or the Army Equitation School? Is the Minister satisfied—he has indicated that he is—that the horses in the equitation school are sufficient in number for international competitions? What type of international competitions is the Minister satisfied these horses are suitable for?
The Minister is aware that when he took office he was left with one horse of international calibre, namely, the mare "Garryowen", which unhappily is now dead, and my advice is that we have eight horses of international standard. One cannot do this kind of job in a day. As well as all the young horses we bought, many of which we hope will reach international standard, we have eight horses of international standard. The decision as to whether or not horses go to the Olympics is not one for me. It is one for the show Jumping Association of Ireland and the Equestrian Federation of Ireland and one horse has been selected, not an Army horse.
Is the Minister satisfied the money spent on the purchase of horses by the Army School of Equitation is money well spent?
I am so satisfied.
Would the Minister like to say what the value of the eight horses is?
It is not the practice to disclose the purchase price or value of horses as this would inhibit further purchases. All purchases are, as far as possible, treated confidentially, as Members on the far side, particularly one Member, well know.
Would the Minister like to say what was the price of the three Bord na gCapall horses?
There was only one Bord na gCapall horse bought and, as I have informed the House, the practice is not to disclose prices.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.