Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The lack of political will is seen in the results to date. One of the Minister's predecessors, whom he sat beside in Government, had a target plan of 4,000 reservists. The Minister has given the figure of approximately 10% but he then says there is no problem with commitment or political will. Of course there is. For example, there needs to be an examination of the upper age limit, the fact that thousands of people are applying but very few are accepted and the fact that there is no kudos or benefit in the form of credits to a member of the Garda reserve which might help the reservist should he or she wish to apply for membership of the full Garda Síochána. We should consider best international practice across the water and throughout continental Europe in the context of having a reserve force that is meaningful.

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