Written answers

Tuesday, 2 October 2018

Department of Defence

Army Equitation School

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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134. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be made available for the purchase of additional horses for the Defence Forces equitation school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39773/18]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The mission of the Army Equitation School is to promote the Irish horse through participation in international competition at the highest level. The Equitation 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 Army Equitation School continues to source suitable Irish bred horses that meet the required standard as judged by the School's Horse Purchase Board. Horses are acquired through either purchase or lease agreement.

The School currently has a stock of 36 horses made up of show jumpers and eventers.

While it is difficult to predict the number of future acquisitions, the Deputy should note that the Army Equitation School purchased 4 horses in 2017. To date in 2018, the School has acquired one horse with plans for further acquisitions before the end of the year.

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