Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I have listened carefully to his initial comments and it is clear he has been following up on this issue, which is close to his heart. He can see the benefits of the Garda Reserve and he has been persistently trying to follow up on when the recruitment campaign will start. The information I have been given is the information I have passed on to him, but I can pass on any further questions to the Minister.

I agree with the Deputy's view that this can lower the fear of crime. My experience with the Garda Reserve is that when we meet its members, it is a different experience from meeting more experienced gardaí. I certainly met people who did not look like they were gardaí and who came from different ethnic communities. I think that helps in building connections with communities. Part of the objective is also that if gardaí are understaffed in an emergency situation, they can draw on extra resources. It seems to be working in that way.

This can serve as a pathway to further recruitment. Clearly, it can act in the same way that an apprenticeship does in that members of the Garda Reserve can realise it is a career they enjoy, they can see the full-time gardaí at work and decide it is something they want to apply for. It allows a period of trial and testing. As the Deputy said, it is a similar experience in the FCA before people go on to the Army.

There is certainly a place for both. There is a place for people who are volunteering within their community, although we always have to make sure they are volunteering for the right reasons and there have to be checks and balances about that. There is also room for people who are full-time traditional gardaí and who are fully paid, and so on.

I understand the Deputy wants to know when the recruitment campaign is starting. The information I have is that it is starting in the new year. I will pass on the Deputy’s concerns to the Minister, Deputy McEntee.

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