Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 76: To ask the Minister for Defence if any of the vacancies for two non-commissioned officers and ten privates in the Army equitation school have been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26013/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The day-to-day administration of recruitment in the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. I am informed by the military authorities that the Army equitation school has an establishment strength of 34, all ranks. Vacancies exist for two non-commissioned officers and ten privates, or grooms. As no serving personnel are available to fill these vacancies, arrangements are under way to fill them by means of direct recruitment. The equitation school has conducted interviews to establish the suitability of applicants to serve as grooms. The normal intake procedures, including medical screening, physical training tests and security clearance, are ongoing with a view to placing successful candidates on a panel for enlistment in the Defence Forces as privates, or grooms, in the Army equitation school.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is obvious that this is a major problem. It is also being experienced in the racing industry's equitation schools. If one sees horses from any stable being brought out in the morning, one will observe that approximately 75% of those riding the horses are non-nationals. Do the problems being encountered by the Army equitation school result from difficulties in finding Irish personnel to fill the vacant positions? It is obvious that we have to keep the equitation centre, which has a fine international reputation in the sport of showjumping, at the top of the agenda. The planned return of Eddie Macken to the Irish showjumping team is a major boost in that regard. If the problem I have mentioned is being experienced, can we look at alternatives, such as the appointment of non-nationals to these positions to ensure they are filled?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no problem with that. I am sure the Department does not have a problem with it. I wish to focus on one of the reasons we have been unable to recruit new staff for the Army equitation school. It would be ideal if we could recruit people to work in the school from within the people we have listed at the moment. As the work in question involves early starts and late finishes, there tends to be a high turnover of staff, unfortunately.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I know.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Some people who apply to work as grooms choose not to follow up on those applications. The normal intake procedures, which include medical screening, physical training tests and security clearance, can take a great deal of time. I will state honestly that we have had some difficulty with security clearance. By the time successful candidates are called, they may have secured alternative employment. Members will be interested to learn that 29 of the 40 people who were interviewed recently have been deemed suitable. They will now have to undergo the usual series of tests, such as the physical training test and the medical screening examination, and the Garda clearance check. If they come through those tests successfully, they will be placed on a panel. It is obvious that the first ten people from the panel will be considered. People will be recruited from it as vacancies occur.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are two aspects to the Army equitation school. The Minister has spoken about personnel, on foot of Deputy Wall's questions, but I would like to ask about the school's horses. Many people expect that if Ireland wins a gold medal at this year's Olympic Games, our equestrian team will be involved. Will the Minister consider increasing the derisory figure of just €300,000 which is available to the Army to buy horses?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy has gone beyond the scope of Question No. 76.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have. If I have had one success over the last year, it is that I got the Minister to follow in my footsteps a week after I visited the Army equitation school. The fact that the young fellows up there were calling me "Minister" must have sent out a message. Fair play to the Minister — he was there the following week, accompanied by Mr. Joe Walsh and three cameramen. I had some success in that regard anyway.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I think the cameramen were following Mr. Walsh. As I have said previously in the House, if the staff of the Army equitation school want to acquire an Irish-bred horse, and the horse passes the various veterinary examinations, etc., money will not be an obstacle in acquiring such a horse. I am sensitive to the Deputy's remarks about gold medal prospects, etc. As far as my Department is concerned, money will not be an obstacle.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Great.