James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair and Senators for the opportunity to speak on this topic. Once again, I would like to express sincere thanks to the members of the Garda Reserve for volunteering their time for the benefit of communities right across the country. They provide a quality service, support proactive policing and represent a partnership between An Garda Síochána and the many communities it serves. This deep connection to communities and a commitment to service is embedded in the culture of An Garda Síochána, and it is something to be immensely proud of.While it is unfortunate that Garda Reserve numbers have dropped in recent years, this is a result of a number of factors, including the understandable decision to prioritise the recruitment of Garda members. The Garda Commissioner has implemented a strategic plan to see the Garda Reserve utilised to its full potential. The upcoming recruitment campaign will provide an opportunity to strengthen the Garda Reserve and help bring the total workforce closer to its target.

As Senators can appreciate, the management of Garda resources, including recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and the Garda Reserve is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. My Department has been engaging with An Garda Síochána in advance of the launch of this recruitment campaign and will continue to do so in coming months. It is also hugely important that there is real diversity in the Garda Reserve in order that it better reflects the communities it represents. It is essential that this diversity is seen, and the recruitment campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates. The development and strengthening of the Garda Reserve is part of the wider strategy to ensure that communities are safe and feel safe. At the heart of this is a strong Garda Síochána, and the Government is fully committed to providing it with the resources needed to deliver on its objective of keeping people safe. This has been reflected in the unprecedented allocation of more than €2 billion in budget 2023.

For the past 100 years, An Garda Síochána has formed bonds with the communities it serves. This emphasis on community policing is nowhere better reflected that in the Garda Reserve. That connection with the community is something to treasure and should not be taken for granted. I was delighted to see such a strong response to the most recent Garda recruitment campaign, which is a testament to the enduring popularity of a career with An Garda Síochána. I am confident the personal motivation displayed by so many to give back to their community and others will have a favourable on the response to the next Garda Reserve campaign.