Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am speaking on behalf of Senator Ó Donnghaile. Although we have heard statements on the need to recruit to the Garda Reserve, the focus of Sinn Féin's comments will be the recruitment to the full-time An Garda Síochána. That is in no way to relegate the reserve element of An Garda Síochána. However, the policing operation that is required to deal with the multifaceted threat by criminals to the people of this State is to be found in the operational capability of the full-time police.

The numbers of full-time gardaí are of serious concern. It is my view that the Government does not have a considered plan to increase the numbers in the full-time force. We need a well-trained and professional policing service to protect people. The report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was very clear on the issue that recruitment to the reserve must be paused until a strategic review has been carried out. Sinn Féin supports this view. There are many pressures on the resources of An Garda Síochána, not least of which are the duties arising from its administration responsibilities, which are essential for the police to perform to ensure it is providing a first-class and effective service based on integrity and accountability. These pressures have grown as society has changed and the criminal threat has changed. Resources are required to ensure the administration is operating at its maximum potential. The administration, in my view, must have the first call on available resources. It is not advisable for administrative duties to be carried out by reservists because they would be removed from other important areas of work.

The report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland also stated that the reserve would only work if they were valued by the full-time policing service and reservists were committed to their role. Given the increase in work hours, precarious employment and the current cost-of-living crisis, it is unclear how we can expect to recruit large numbers of people with the time and commitment to these roles. The commission also mentioned other ways of engaging the public in policing work. These should also be explored.

A few weeks ago, Deputy Pa Daly, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on justice, spoke about the recruitment and retention crisis that must be addressed.His comments followed the release of figures by the Garda Representative Association which showed that An Garda Síochána failed to reach its target in the latest recruitment drive. This is the second occasion in as many months that Garda recruitment numbers were not met. There is concern that the police service is understaffed and this should have consequences for the protection and safety of the people who need the service of the Garda. It is important that the Government respond to these concerns and ensure that its policies are not contributing to a climate of uncertainty about the effectiveness of An Garda Síochána in carrying out its duties.