Dáil debates

Thursday, 27 April 2006

3:00 pm

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

——to bring them before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights and have a good discussion with all Members of the House who are interesting in discussing their substance at that venue.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

There is no obligation under the Garda Síochána Act to do so, as the regulations simply require the approval of Government, but I thought it right to undertake the widest possible process of consultation before finalising the proposals for the reserve. I look forward to engaging with the committee, and the committee may well take the opportunity to hear a variety of different views on the proposals.

I recently commissioned research into the public's attitude to crime and law enforcement, and I was particularly pleased, but not at all surprised, at the strong level of public support this indicated for a Garda reserve, with 73% of respondents in favour.

The Oireachtas has decided that there should be a Garda reserve and the public strongly support this. The Garda Commissioner's proposals envisage a thoroughly-trained reserve, with carefully selected powers and duties, working under the supervision of members of the Garda Síochána. I am engaged in a process of comprehensive consultation on these proposals, including consultation with a joint committee of these Houses.

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