Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Defence the 2010 programme for the Army equitation school. [15610/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The mission of Army Equitation School, as assigned to it on its establishment in 1926, is to promote the Irish horse abroad through participation in international competition. In 2010, the Equitation School will continue to discharge this task, competing in national and international events in showjumping and three day eventing.

Army Equitation School horses and riders will campaign on the National and International show jumping circuit in the coming months, with the aim of being selected for the Irish teams participating at the Meydan Super League Nations Cup series which will be held at venues across Europe, culminating in the Dublin Horse Show in August. The School will also compete on the National Grand Prix show jumping circuit this year. Building on its previous success in Three Day Eventing, the School will compete on the National, UK and International circuit with the aim of being selected for the Irish team competing at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

In addition to its competition activity in 2010, the Army Equitation School will continue to support the Irish horse industry. The School is represented on several committees of the national governing body, Horse Sport Ireland. In February and March of this year the School, in conjunction with Teagasc, hosted information seminars for breeders of sport horses. To provide support to young rider development, the School will accommodate three training bursaries to young riders competing in the disciplines of show jumping and eventing. The School also accommodates applications for work experience from Transition Year students and requests from interested groups and individuals to visit the premises. In 2010, the Army Equitation School Horse Purchase Board will continue to source high quality horses for purchase and lease for competition at home and abroad and maintain the proud tradition of the Army Equitation School.