Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

In light of a previous question with reference to the numbers of community gardaí, I can understand why the Minister is most reluctant to engage in target setting. The targets set for the Garda Reserve are wholly out of line with the targets. The promises set by the Minister, Deputy McDowell, have certainly not been fulfilled and I do not detect any activity or enthusiasm on the part of the current Minister to have those targets effected.

Has it been brought to the Minister's attention that, for those Garda reservists who are engaging to very good effect in their community duties in assisting the Garda Síochána, there is a difficulty in regard to medical cover? An injury may be suffered in the course of one's duty but there does not appear to be the same arrangement for a member of the Garda Reserve as for a full member of the Garda Síochána, which is causing some difficulty. If it can be resolved, I urge the Minister to have it resolved.

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