Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Senator Leyden has made a valid point and I rise to support him. We should have a discussion as there has been much confusion on the issue. Yesterday, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform brought some clarity to the matter when we all received a document clarifying what the Garda reserve force would consist of and the total number of hours to be worked, etc.

It is interesting that approximately 1,000 members from the Garda associations met last weekend in Sligo, and they appeared to be opposed to the idea. If we have a discussion on it in this House, the Minister should, correctly, have a discussion with Garda associations and clarify what is happening. There is merit in the Minister's proposal and in us having a discussion in this House, hearing the Minister's intentions from his own mouth. He would listen to us about the concerns which people have articulated to us. If we have these discussions, the Garda reserve force could make a meaningful contribution to this country, as the special constabulary force does in London.