Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The funding for the Garda Reserve related to the additional number that came into the force during the year. We continue to recruit the Garda Reserve and they receive what is really an honorarium. They get €1,200 per annum for participating in the Garda Reserve. There were a number of recruits during the course of the year. I attended two graduation ceremonies.

I am aware you have a particular interest in heating, Chairman, on which we have had previous discussions in the committee, in particular in regard to Cork Prison. The issue is being examined as to its feasibility. In the context of using fuel efficiently, it is correct that there is not someone in my Department who is specifically seconded to deal with the issue but the various agencies have an obligation to use resources wisely. I would expect there is focus on the issue and I am happy to follow it up. There is a degree of wisdom in ensuring that within, for example, the Garda Síochána or the Prison Service and other agencies an individual should have responsibility to ensure that we have the best and most resource-efficient approach to heating, lighting and other matters of that nature.