Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Defence if a cost benefit analysis has been done in regard to the contribution made by the Army Equitation School to the promotion of tourism and the promotion of the Irish Horse Industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42180/09]

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 promote 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. The core activities of the Army Equitation School include the successful participation in equestrian competitions on Irish bred horses and the support that the School provides to the National Sport Horse Industry.

The Army Equitation School provides a positive image of Ireland and the Defence Forces to the wider public. Army riders competing on Irish bred horses provide an instantly recognisable symbol of Ireland to the international community. While a cost benefit analysis on the contribution of the Army Equitation School has not been carried out, the role of the School is strongly supported by the industry through Sport Horse Ireland who have indicated that the prominence of the Equitation School riding Irish horses in competitions nationally and internationally, is a key marketing vehicle for breeders.