Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 7

Written Answers. - Army Equitation School.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

271 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the Army show jumping team has adequate resources; the resources currently available to the team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19966/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

I am satisfied that the Army Equitation School is adequately resourced.

The school currently has a strength of five riding officers. In addition, five officer cadets are currently undergoing training, two of whom will be commissioned in 1997 and the remainder in 1998. The equitation school has 47 horses in total, of which 18 are showjumpers. Facilities currently in use in the equitation school include stables, indor riding arena and schooling areas, both grass and sand, as well as administrative facilities.

The annual provision for the equitation school within the Defence Estimate in each year is divided between the purchase and upkeep of horses, the purchase of equipment and the costs of participation in shows. The overall provision for 1996 is £445,000. The budgetary provisions in respect of the Army Equitation School are kept under continual review.