Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

He came up with 5,000. I have him on record in expansive humour. It does not matter. If the size of the reserve relative to the full-time force is a matter of concern to the force, I am willing to discuss that issue. I wish to arrive at a consensus with the Garda representative organisations. If they have a major problem with that issue, then I am willing to discuss the limit of the reserve with them.

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