Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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394. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase additional horses for the Defence Forces equitation school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15413/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, 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 the Equitation School purchased three horses in 2014 whilst, to date in 2015, agreement has been reached to purchase a further two horses.

I am satisfied that the current arrangements allow the School to maintain its competitiveness at national and international events.