asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider granting graded pay to grooms in the Army Equitation School.

This matter is under consideration.

Is the Minister not aware that this matter has been under consideration for at least 30 years and would he not agree that it is about time that a decision was given on it, particularly as the men concerned, apart from having to have special skills and a knowledge of horses, must work almost every weekend to see that the animals are looked after? In addition, when they travel with the horses their allowances are very small.

How many years did the Deputy say?

About 30 years.

I am not so aware.

I will give the Minister five years here or there. Has the Minister any idea when there will be a decision on the matter?

I do not wish to make any comment on the matter; it is under consideration and I am not prepared at this stage to say more than that.

I do not want the Minister to become angry or annoyed but this is the answer the Army authorities have been giving for a long number of years just because they are dealing with men at the bottom of the pile. This is the usual reaction. Will the Minister take an interest in the matter and see that a decision is given?

I am not angry. I am asking the Deputy to have patience.

I am a patient man.

I do not wish to prejudice the claims of the grooms by making any statement.

How could you prejudice their claims by doing them a good turn?

As we live we learn.