Jack Wall
Ceist:17 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the reduction of 16% in the allocation for equitation in his Department's Estimates for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26065/02]
Written Answers. - Army Equitation School.
The mission of the equitation school is to advertise the Irish non-thoroughbred horse. The equitation school has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years. Through its participation in equestrian events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish horse both thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred. The school has consistently provided horses and riders of the highest quality for Irish international show jumping teams and, allowing for the contribution of individual civilian riders, the Army riders have in many respects formed the backbone of international teams over many years and have made a major contribution to Ireland qualifying for the Nations Cup Super League in 2003.
I have made considerable investment in the school in recent years. Specifically, an additional provision of €330,000, 46% in the 2001 Defence Estimate, was maintained in 2002. As a result the equitation school is currently in a very healthy position with 54 horses, including 32 showjumping and eventing horses and has 37 personnel, including seven riding officers and one cadet officer in training. This investment has reaped significant dividends especially in 2002, where the school achieved 25 International victories which is the largest number in almost 20 years.
The required reduction in expenditure on the Defence Vote amounts to an approximate 1% reduction on the expected outturn for this year. This will be achieved by managing the overall allocation in such a way as to ensure that the priority areas of expenditure are protected in the context of the overall Defence requirement.
In relation to the provision shown in the 2003 Abridged Estimate for the equitation school, the amount allocated reflects the normal level of expenditure for the school. The amount expended in the past two years involved additional investment in the school.