Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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361. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the full year cost of purchasing ten extra horses for the Defence Forces equitation school; his views regarding the number of Defence Forces personnel and civilian staff attached to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14365/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, 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.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is difficult to predict the number of future acquisitions and the purchase price of any horse varies depending on a number of factors including age, ability, temperament etc.

With the COVID 19 Pandemic impacting on the ability of the Horse Purchase Board to convene, there have been no new horses purchased to date in 2020.

The current personnel strength of the School is 31, comprising seven Officers (including four Riding Officers), seven Non-Commissioned Officers and 17 Privates.

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