Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy that the quality of the horses is a very important issue. The mission of the school requires the acquisition solely of Irish competition horses. The school has always been able to acquire any horse deemed, after viewing and a veterinary examination, to be of sufficient quality to merit inclusion in the school. On a number of occasions, after viewing or examination or both, horses were deemed not to be of sufficient quality. The focus of the school is on the quality of the horses.

The Deputy made reference to the figure involved. He is correct that, in 2006, a sum of €300,000 was allocated for horse purchasing and leasing but the final expenditure at year's end totalled €442,000. The Department will not be found wanting in this regard, subject to various issues that may arise. This year €322,000 was allocated for purchasing and leasing. The key point is the quality of horses that become available. I am instancing what happened on the last occasion. A total of 50% more was spent than was allocated.

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