Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the further expansion and development of the Army Equitation School; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22001/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

In 2005, my Department purchased 3 horses for the Army Equitation School at a total cost of €243,000 and in 2006, 4 horses were purchased at a cost of €245,500. To date in 2007, I have approved the purchase of a further 3 horses for the School at a cost of €146,520.

Presently, there are three 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 eight Non-Commissioned Officers and seventeen 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 had considerable success in 2007, notably Commandant Gerry Flynn's wins on Mo Chroí in the Dublin Grand Prix, the Lisbon Grand Prix, the Drammen Grand Prix and the Vimeiro Grand Prix.

There are presently no plans for the further expansion or development of the Army Equitation School.