Vol. 480 No. 8
16 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that an adequate budget is being provided for the Army Equitation School to purchase horses of the right quality to enable the Irish Army riders to maximise their performance at the top international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15150/97]
In view of the role of the Army Equitation School which is to promote and advertise the Irish non-thoroughbred horse, it is important that Army riders be mounted on the best possible horses. Indeed, the Equitation School has fulfilled its mission with distinction down the years through its participation and many successes in equitation events at home and abroad.
Funding for the equitation school is provided from the national lottery. There is an allocation of £155,000 available this year for the purchase of horses. I am aware that the cost of top quality horses has increased significantly in recent years and I intend to explore with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, ways of developing the potential of the school in order to achieve common objectives in relation to the Irish horse industry.
There are currently five riding officers in the equitation school, two of whom compete on the international circuit. Of the remainder, one is of national standard and two have recently started their competitive careers at national level. A further three equitation cadets are currently undergoing their cadet training at the Curragh and are expected to be commissioned next summer. The school currently has a total of 39 horses of which eight are international and 19 are national standard showjumpers. The remainder is made up of brood mares and student standard horses. I intend to ensure that sufficient numbers of good quality horses continue to be acquired by the Army Equitation School in order to maintain the proud tradition of that establishment.
