asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) the names of the persons purchasing horses for Army show engagements, and (b) how many of these are ex-members of the Army jumping team that brought credit, distinction and prestige to Ireland from the year 1926 to 1939.

The names of the members of the board which purchases horses for the Army School of Equitation are: The Honourable W.E. Wylie, K.C.; D. Twomey, Esq., LL.D., A.R.C.Sc.I.; Commandant M. Heffernan, V.O. None of these gentlemen is an ex-member of the School of Equitation, but I should mention that one of the present officers of the school who has contributed in large measure to the credit, distinction and prestige of the school during the years referred to, normally accompanies the board to test the capabilities of horses which are being examined with a view to purchase.

asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the qualifications of Mr. Wylie for appointment as buyer of horses for jumping in show engagements for the Army.

The Deputy should be aware that Mr. Wylie has qualifications as a judge of show horses, including jumpers, which are probably second to none in the country. He also has an international reputation in this respect.

The question gives me an opportunity of paying a tribute to the excellent work performed by Mr. Wylie in the interests of the School of Equitation. In his endeavours to secure the best material procurable for the school he has travelled throughout the country for a period of nearly six years and has given his time without stint. For this he receives no remuneration. The Army is fortunate to have had the assistance of such an expert in the development of the school since its reconstitution.

Is he not remunerated for some of his other services?

Not by the Army.

By the British.

That is a question which I cannot answer and I doubt if the Deputy can answer it.

I did not ask the Minister to answer it.

asked the Minister for Defence whether it is a fact (1) that a horse purchased by appointed buyers for show jumping engagements for the Army had only one eye, and (2) that this horse was purchased at a goodly sum and, if so, whether he will state where the horse is at the moment and its present value.

The reply to (1) is in the negative and (2), therefore, does not arise.