81 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army personnel attached to the equestrian school; the number of personnel involved in active competitions; and the criteria necessary for a person to become involved in the Army team. [16657/99]

The military authorities advise that the number of Army personnel attached to the Army Equitation School is 39. This figure comprises ten officers, 13 non-commissioned personnel and 16 privates. There are seven officers actively involved in equestrian competitions, five in national competitions and two in international competitions.

Officers of the equitation school are recruited through the officer cadetship programme. Candidates are assessed on their riding ability by the equitation school and on their military ability as part of the normal cadetship selection process. Cadets then undergo the normal cadet training programme before being assigned, when commissioned, to the equitation school for further training and ongoing assessment of their riding and competitive abilities.

The criteria for involvement in the Army team is continuous assessment of riding ability combined with performance at national competition level.