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

There are currently 1,100 attested reserve gardaí, with a further 46 at various stages of training.

The Deputy posed an interesting question regarding the process. He asked whether it would be possible to stream the entry of members of the Garda Reserve into An Garda Síochána. I am sure their work in the reserve will be deemed good experience to have on their CV during the interview process. I can confirm that 40 members of the Garda Reserve have become full-time members of An Garda Síochána and a further 13 joined on 2 February which shows there has been some career progression. People with experience of the Garda Reserve have become Garda recruits.

I have had some discussions in regards to this matter and it is an area that could be developed further, as the Deputy suggested. To anticipate that the Garda Reserve would become a direct route into the Garda Síochána probably would not be the first step. We could begin discussions on how to develop his idea. We are at that point and I hope to have some further with the Garda Commissioner in regard to it.

I wish to make an important point about the Garda Reserve.

Given the kind of country we are now and the multiculturalism and diversity we have, the reserve has been notably successfully in attracting non-Irish nationals to its ranks. A total of 67 reserve members or trainees are non-Irish nationals originally from a wide range of countries. This brings a welcome richness to the force in terms of community policing and working with minority groups.

The Deputy made the point about pay previously. I do not have plans to increase it but I will keep it under review.