Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the number of persons paid more than €80,000, more than €100,000 and more than €120,000 in the Army Equitation School; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13160/13]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of the Army Equitation School; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13248/13]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the cost of the Army Equitation School for each of the past ten years; the cost of its members trips abroad during each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13159/13]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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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

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Promoting the Irish horse is all lovely and fine but the concern here relates to recent reports about practices in the school. Can the Minister of State provide clarification on the wage scales and overseas travel allowances about which we have asked? We need the information because there has been public concern about practices in the school and we need answers.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The issues raised in the parliamentary questions, including Question No. 33 by Deputy Gerry Adams, relate to matters of fact and I do not know why the information should not be provided. I have the statistic on the total prize money won. I have no doubt the House is entitled to the information it seeks on expenditure. While it is not included in the reply provided, it will have to be given to the Deputies as soon as possible. I will ask the Department to furnish the information as quickly as possible. The key point about the school is that it puts Ireland up high in its international participation in sport. We have had some significant and wonderful Army riders who carried the flag for Ireland over many decades in international and national events. We are all very proud of them. I am happy to ensure the details of expenditure sought will be made available.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I rise simply to commend the Minister on his response and his assurance that the future of the equitation school is secure. I commend all of those who have been involved in the school over the years. It has been an outstanding example of the positive contribution the Defence Forces can make to the country as a whole and, in particular, to the bloodstock industry and the excellence of the Irish horse. The school has done work that has been of enormous economic value to the sport horse sector and constantly and continuously boosted national morale through its outstanding achievements in many locations throughout the world. If the State has incurred expense in sending Army riders to showjumping events internationally, every penny was justified.

The Army in general and the equitation school in particular have no record of mismanagement or abuse of public moneys. As far as I know, they have been always effective and frugal in the way they go about their business. I wish them many years of continued success.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I do not know if there is a need for a response to that.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I agree absolutely with Deputy Ó Fearghaíl. The school does a very good job and long may it continue to fly our flag in international competition. It is very good for the horse industry also.