Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 688: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda reserve force will be empowered to work on traffic management duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14853/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under section 15 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for the establishment of a Garda reserve, the powers and duties of reserve members may be determined by the Garda Commissioner. The Garda Commissioner, in a comprehensive submission to me on the Garda reserve, has proposed that the initial duties of a reserve Garda will include road traffic checkpoint duties accompanied by a full-time member. I have said that I am extremely impressed with the comprehensive nature of the proposals for the Garda Síochána reserve made to me by the Garda Commissioner. The proposals envisage a thoroughly trained reserve with carefully selected powers and duties working under the supervision of members of the Garda Síochána.

I have met each of the Garda representative associations to discuss the Commissioner's proposals before I proceed to draw up the necessary regulations for Government approval. Further discussions will be held with the associations under the Garda conciliation scheme. I also intend to present the regulations in draft form to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for its consideration. The additional resource of a well-trained Garda reserve with carefully selected powers and duties will significantly increase the capacity of the Garda Síochána to combat crime and disorder and provide the public with the security and safety they rightly demand.