Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
63 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the details of the investigation he has initiated into practices at a barracks (details supplied); the reason such an investigation has been initiated; when the investigation is likely to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28833/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra64 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on an ongoing investigation taking place at a barracks (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28771/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra114 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the investigation he has initiated into practices at a barracks (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28807/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 64 and 114 together.
The Chief of Staff approached me two weeks ago and outlined that he proposed to have an investigation carried out into the operation of the Army equitation school in McKee Barracks, Dublin. As Deputies will appreciate, when a situation such as has recently transpired in Irish showjumping hits the news, and with the series of events which has subsequently occurred, rumour and innuendo abound. The Chief of Staff advised me that some unattributed rumours were circulating which suggested that certain unacceptable practices were taking place in the equitation school. While he advised that there were no grounds for believing that anything untoward was happening in the school, as a proactive measure he felt it prudent to move quickly to safeguard the school's good name and reputation.
The investigation is being carried out by the Military Police in conjunction with two independent veterinary surgeons from the UCD veterinary college. The investigation is being carried out both at the equitation school in McKee Barracks, where almost 40 horses are stabled, and at the equitation detachment at the Curragh Camp in County Kildare, where up to 12 non-competition horses are kept. The investigation includes an examination of animal husbandry and interviews with all relevant personnel, including grooms and riding officers. It has been welcomed by the commanding officer of the equitation school, who has stated that the school has nothing to hide.
I understand that the investigation has just been completed and that a report is being forwarded to the Chief of Staff. I hope to have that report shortly. Pending receipt of that report, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.
The Minister has provided general details, but will he provide the exact details? I read a report, which stated that the Minister sanctioned the investigation. If he did, what progress has been made on it? The investigation appears to relate to animal welfare. Will the Minister confirm whether that is the case? Given the recent focus on the use of drugs in showjumping, will the Minister state whether drugs are an issue in the investigation?
The Chief of Staff approached me to inform me he wanted to launch the investigation because of unattributed rumours that were circulating. I told him to proceed and, therefore, I sanctioned the investigation. I understand that some of the rumours related to the allegation that illegal substances were being used to improve the performance of the horses. Therefore, the answer to the last part of the Deputy's question is "Yes". The rumours related to the illegal use of drugs.
We have launched a thorough investigation. The report will come to the Chief of Staff, who will then give it to me. I will publish the report when it is to hand, which I expect to be within days.
I welcome the decision to carry out the investigation. I am confident that nothing untoward will be found because the equitation school has established a fine reputation over many years. Does the Minister agree that it is regrettable that because of the society in which we exist, we must almost do as President Bush did a number of years ago — carry out an investigation into himself to show he was clean? Is this a country that is becoming awash with rumours, whether over this or any other incident?
I agree this country is well known for rumours of various sorts, some parts of the country being worse than others. In the wake of the O'Connor controversy and the question as to whether the gold medal was won legitimately, certain rumours began circulating about the Army equitation school. Some of the rumours were specific in detail, but I hope they will prove to be unfounded. Nevertheless, they circulated widely enough and in sufficient detail to encourage the Chief of Staff to take pre-emptive action to protect the reputation of the Army equitation school. I hope the action he has taken will do that.
Do some of the rumours relate to the practice of rapping, which is a practice used to make the horses jump higher? It was also alleged against Cian O'Connor. Does the Minister agree that this is an unacceptable horrific practice that should be condemned and that anybody found guilty of it should be punished?
Some of the rumours related to that practice. I agree it is unacceptable and represents the worst form of cruelty to animals. If any evidence of rapping is found, the guilty will be punished. I hope the investigation will vindicate the reputation of the Army equitation school, as it has been a thorough investigation. However, I do not yet know the result of the investigation. I do not know whether the report has reached the Chief of Staff's desk yet. When it comes to me, there will be no delay in publishing it.
Given that the Minister was aware these questions would arise today, how is it that he does not have up-to-date information on the investigation and when it is likely to be concluded?
The investigation is concluded and I said that in my reply. The report is on the way to the Chief of Staff and I imagine he will have it today or tomorrow. He will transmit it to me and I will publish it immediately.
