Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos 9, 14 and 33 together.

I confirm that no member of the Army Equitation School is paid in excess of €80,000 per annum. The costs associated with running the school since 2006, including the cost of its participation at international events, are set out in the following tabular statement. The cost of running the school in 2012 was €2.2 million. This information was gathered from the management information framework system which has been in place in the Department of Defence since 2006. Consequently, detailed figures for 2003 to 2005 are not readily available.

The mission of the Army Equitation School is to promote the Irish horse through its participation in international competition at the highest level. The school has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years. Through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish horse. The Army Equitation School is an emblematic feature of the Defence Forces. Army riders competing on Irish-bred horses provide an instantly recognisable symbol of Ireland at prestigious international events. There are no plans to make changes to the operation of the school.

Army Equitation School Costs

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