Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's remarks and while the Garda Reserve concept is worthwhile, it will flounder in the absence of a political buy-in on the part of the Government. With particular reference to the current review, is the Minister aware there is no medical cover for the Garda Reserve, should any member suffer injury or a condition that would require medical treatment in the course of his or her duty? I suggest there are fairly significant dangers within the Garda Reserve at present in respect of assaults, threats and intimidation and refer to the lack of powers of arrest on the part of a reserve member. This has a consequence of weakness and will ensure that the reserve does not reach the capacity it might otherwise do. I ask the Minister to ensure that this review happens as a matter of urgency and that the House would be consulted, having regard to what is a very good concept that unfortunately does not appear to have the political will to allow it to reach its true potential within society.

See this speech in context