Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

We spent much of today's time talking about the difficulties posed by gaps in policing and in Garda strength. With just over 1,000 people, between those actually in the reserve and those in training, we have a massive resource here that is not being used to its potential effect. For instance, if we have people from 27 countries, they immediately give us an entry into 27 communities in terms of liaison and day-to-day Garda interaction. Some of the more experienced members of the Garda Reserve could fulfil the role of community gardaí and engage with communities on crime prevention. We spoke last month about the gaps occurring in terms of crime prevention officers around the country. Surely some of the more experienced members of the Garda Reserve, for instance retired people who now have time, could be inserted into the role. Youth diversion projects do fantastic work. Again, there is an opportunity for members of the Garda Reserve to get involved in such an area which does not require them to get involved in exposing themselves to the implementation of law but to which they would bring their life experience. Given the challenges facing the Commissioner on personnel and budgets we have a fantastic resource, potentially, which is not being sufficiently utilised. I am pleased to hear the Commissioner is beginning to engage with the Minister on the matter. It is time we put it up to the Commissioner that this asset must be utilised more, in particular for the kind of gaps about which we have just spoken.

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