John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1148: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the new Garda reserve force; the role and functions of same; the areas in which members will be stationed; the training members will undergo; and when he envisages this force to be operational. [1483/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a Garda reserve and the Deputy will recall that the measure won widespread support in the House during the passage of the Act.

The Act lays special emphasis on training for members of the Garda reserve. The Act further provides that the power to appoint persons to the reserve may only be exercised if the Commissioner has submitted proposals to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the training of persons to be appointed and regulations have been made concerning their recruitment, training and terms and conditions.

In July 2005, the Garda Commissioner wrote to me proposing a Garda reserve with a strength of 4,000 members. I was supportive of the Commissioner's proposal and, as a first step, asked the Commissioner to recruit 900 reserve members by September 2006.

The Garda Commissioner is now drawing up proposals on the recruitment and training of reserve members and the duties they will be given. No doubt the Commissioner will study carefully the successful experience of volunteer police in the UK and other jurisdictions, where they provide important support for the regular police.

When I receive the Garda Commissioner's proposals, I will engage in consultation with the Garda representative associations before bringing draft regulations to Government. I believe that there is significant public support for the concept of a Garda reserve. I also believe that the public will have confidence in the Garda reserve system that is implemented. I call on the Garda associations to engage positively in the consultative process.

The reserve will supplement the strength of the Garda Síochána in policing local communities. It is not a replacement for gardaí— as is proven by the increase, currently under way, in the strength of the force from 12,000 to 14,000. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.