112. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of riding instructor posts currently filled within Defence Forces Equitation School; the number of riding instructor posts currently vacant; and the rank of Defence Forces personnel these posts are normally filled by. [66717/26]

The mission of the Army Equitation School is to promote the Defence Forces and Irish Horse through participation in international competition at the highest level. The Army 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 and Irish Horsemanship.

The Defence Forces have advised that there is no specific appointment within the Equitation School referred to as “Riding Instructor". The number of Instructor appointments and the associated ranks is two as listed below;

• 1 x Chief Instructor – Commandant who is involved in all training of Riders and Grooms

• 1 x NCO Instructor – Sergeant who is involved in training other than riding, ie. Groom’s courses

A total of 790 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force were achieved in 2025 – the highest in 20 years. This figure included the induction of 11 Grooms in 2025 and 2 inductions in 2026, arising from the successful operation of new bespoke competition for the recruitment of Grooms through the General service pathway. This competition attracted considerable interest with over 430 applications received. The Equitation School 2025 Cadetship drew 42 applications resulting in the induction of 2 candidates. Applications for this year’s Equitation School Cadetship more than doubled to 100, thus reflecting the continuing growth in interest levels in a career in the Defence Forces. Inductions arising from this competition are expected to take place by the end of this month.