Johnny Brady (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 121: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of horses acquired by the Army Equitation School in recent years; the number of officers and military personnel assigned to the equitation school; the successes they have achieved in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8642/07]

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

The mission of the Army Equitation School, as assigned to it on its establishment in 1926, is to advertise the Irish horse abroad through participation in international competitions. The school has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years, and through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish horse.

Horses are procured for the Army Equitation School by means of purchase, lease and patronage. There are forty-four horses currently on charge to the School.

In 2004, my Department purchased 3 horses for the Army Equitation School at a total cost of €200,000, and in 2005, 3 further horses were purchased at a cost of €243,000. In 2006 4 horses were purchased at a cost of €245,500, including one horse procured through a joint purchase agreement between my Department and a patron of the School.

Presently, there are four horses leased to the Army Equitation School by their owners. The owners are paid an annual lease fee for the competition life of the horse, and in addition to the lease fee there are in-built performance bonuses in the lease agreements. Horses are also acquired by the Army Equitation School through donation by patrons, and presently the School has possession of three donated horses.

There are ten Officers (including seven Riding Officers) assigned to the Army Equitation School at present. There are also nine Non-commissioned Officers and sixteen Privates currently assigned.

In 2004 the Army Equitation School had 14 International wins at competitions throughout Europe, with 13 International wins in 2005 and a further 10 in 2006, including wins at Barcelona, Athens, Copenhagen and Zagreb. The Army Equitation School has also had considerable success on the National circuit, including wins at Dublin, Millstreet and Cavan amongst others.