Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I was in Templemore recently when substantial numbers of Garda reserves were attested and they are now out on the streets. The fact is that under existing legislation they have relatively minor powers in regard to policing, and are allocated to station duty, other than the care and custody of prisoners; communication room duty, to include the monitoring of CCTV; foot patrol when accompanied by a member of the permanent Garda service; and road traffic checkpoint duties when accompanied by a full-time garda. When they are out on duty, they must always be accompanied by a full-time garda.

As I said, a review has been completed which the Garda Commissioner is considering and I expect him to report on some of the recommendations in that respect. Obviously, any changes that are to be made will be discussed, whether at the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights or, if it requires further legislation, we can discuss it in plenary session. I assure the Deputy there is an absolutely full commitment on my and the Government's part to build up to the number outlined in An Agreed Programme for Government, which is 10% of the force over the lifetime of the Government.

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