Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 691: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and his views on the idea of using the new Garda reserve force on this type of child safety issue. [14907/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda Commissioner, in a comprehensive submission to me on the Garda reserve, has proposed that the powers of reserve members will be confined to the enforcement of certain aspects of a number of Acts. Under the Road Traffic Acts, powers may be exercised in demanding driving licences and insurance details, enforcing the wearing of seat belts, etc. Under the Public Order Act, powers may be exercised in dealing with the offences of intoxication, threatening behaviour, disorderly conduct and failure to comply with the direction of a member of An Garda Síochána. Under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, powers may be exercised in dealing with the offences of theft and burglary. Reserve members would also be given the power of arrest under the Criminal Law Act 1997, which provides powers of arrest for both members of the Garda Síochána and civilians.

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. As regards the role of reserve members of the Garda Síochána in the matter referred to by the Deputy, the position is that 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.