Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the performance and operation of the Garda Reserve; if a review is contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21854/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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On 30 April 2009, there were 322 attested reserve gardaí with a further 198 at various stages of training making a total of 520.

The Government is strongly committed to the development of the Garda Reserve. I am fully satisfied that the reserve provides, and will continue to provide, a valuable contribution to the Garda Síochána and to the many communities in which it operates. In particular, I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the reserve who serve on a voluntary basis.

An internal operational review of the Garda Reserve was carried out in 2008. Arising from this review, I understand the Garda Commissioner is examining certain proposals on enhancing the role of the Garda Reserve.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister's remarks and while the Garda Reserve concept is worthwhile, it will flounder in the absence of a political buy-in on the part of the Government. With particular reference to the current review, is the Minister aware there is no medical cover for the Garda Reserve, should any member suffer injury or a condition that would require medical treatment in the course of his or her duty? I suggest there are fairly significant dangers within the Garda Reserve at present in respect of assaults, threats and intimidation and refer to the lack of powers of arrest on the part of a reserve member. This has a consequence of weakness and will ensure that the reserve does not reach the capacity it might otherwise do. I ask the Minister to ensure that this review happens as a matter of urgency and that the House would be consulted, having regard to what is a very good concept that unfortunately does not appear to have the political will to allow it to reach its true potential within society.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I do not accept it has not got the political will it requires. This Government set up the Garda reserve so I do not know what the Deputy is talking about. As far as I am concerned, I was down-----

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The political will is in the Bar Library.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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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.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I would not disagree with the Deputy in regard to using the Garda reserve as at least a part of the gateway to becoming a full-time member of the Garda Síochána. It is an issue we should consider and we are doing so at present. Again, while a large number of people are applying, one cannot just put anyone out on the street and there must be good vetting of applicants. We have been extremely impressed with the calibre of people who are coming forward and who are going through the system. As I said, they have limited enough powers but this is as it should be. This is a new concept and we should walk before we run. I do not accept the figure of 4,000. The figure in the programme for Government is 10% of the overall force of approximately 14,000, which gives a figure of approximately 1,400 for the reserve.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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That is a watering down of the proposal.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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This is a commitment over the lifetime of the Government. Given the fact that substantial numbers are already attested and a substantial number are still in training, those figures will be reached over the lifetime of the Government.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The former Minister, Mr. Michael McDowell's figures are in the bin.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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This is the target of the current Government.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Just 10%. It is the first time the Minister said that.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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That is the commitment. The Deputy sometimes incorrectly complains that we do not comply with the commitments we make.