James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Jim O’Callaghan for his important question. Established in 2006, the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and to give something back to their communities. The reserve reinforces An Garda Síochána's essential community links, and provides the capacity to draw on additional resources to assist in policing. I would like to acknowledge the important contribution made by all members of the reserve who volunteer their time for the community's benefit. As part of the Government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for the Future, the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve strategy for 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.

The strategy published in October 2021 is informed by an internal review of the reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which will be held next year and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed for five years initially. The campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates, in keeping with the reserve's role as a visible form of community engagement. The Department of Justice is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process. Consideration is also being given by An Garda Síochána to ensuring that the Garda Reserve can serve as a pathway to future recruitment competitions for Garda members, where individuals have a desire to progress to that position.

The strategy further aims to ensure that members of the reserve are fully supported by local Garda management and that the role is recognised and promoted throughout the organisation. The Garda Commissioner has established an implementation group and oversight committee to ensure that the strategy delivers on its objectives and I look forward to working with him to increase the number of members of the reserve and in realising its full potential as a resource to policing and in providing a pathway to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, including from minority communities. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to provide support and flexibility to the reserve gardaí carrying out their functions in a voluntary capacity.

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