Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

As is clear from the Garda Síochána Act, volunteer reserve members of the force will only have such powers as are conferred on them by the Commissioner. As I indicated to the committee last week, the powers conferred on the reservists at this point are those set out in the discussion document which was before that committee. They do not, at this stage, involve the issuance of warnings under the legislation.

Only a senior Garda officer can apply to a court for an ASBO. No volunteer reservist can be appointed to any rank other than reserve Garda rank.

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