Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In 2014, the current number is 1,091. I can tell the Deputy that a further 62 Garda Reserve trainees will graduate this Friday, which will bring the number to 1,153, which is almost back to 2013 levels. The new Garda Commissioner has expressed her interest in and commitment to the development of the Garda Reserve and is on record as saying this. Recruitment is ongoing and actually is an independent process as the Public Appointments Service interviews on a rolling basis at a range of locations around the country. It is interesting that, to date, 40 members of the Garda Reserve have joined as full-time members of An Garda Síochána and that 23 members of the Garda Reserve commenced their training as full-time gardaí in the Garda College last September. It is clear that many people who have an interest in a career in An Garda Síochána join the Garda Reserve, build up their experience and knowledge of the force there and then go on. It also is worth noting that the Garda Reserve has been highly successful in attracting non-Irish nationals to its ranks, as 67 members of the Garda Reserve are non-Irish nationals from various countries.

The Deputy also asked me about the allowances. The annual allowance payable to Garda Reserve members as a contribution towards their expenses is set at €1,000 per annum. Interestingly, the Finance (No. 2) Act 2013 provided that the allowance paid to members of the Garda Reserve was exempt from taxation. They also are reimbursed for expenses incurred while attending court in respect of their service as a member of the Garda Reserve. From my own observation, I note there is quite mixed use of the Garda Reserve in different Garda stations, as I am sure the Deputy has noticed. There is scope to examine the role and to ascertain how best use can be got from it.