Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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639. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase additional horses for the Defence Forces Equitation School; if he will provide details of any plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19401/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Army Equitation School continues to source suitable Irish bred horses, acquired through either purchase or lease agreement, that meet the required standard as judged by the School’s Horse Purchase Board. While it is difficult to predict the number of future acquisitions, I can confirm that agreement has been reached for the purchase of one horse so far this year, whilst in 2013 a total of six new horses were acquired. I am satisfied that the current arrangements allow the School to maintain its competitiveness at national and international events.