Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 450: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the proposed statutory instrument which is due to be signed in relation to representation for trainee Gardaí (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16352/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Section 18 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (to which I will refer as to "the 2005 Act") provides for the establishment of associations to represent the interests of members of the Garda Síochána in accordance with Regulations. Section 18(6) of the 2005 Act makes it legally possible for the association which represents members at the rank of Garda, i.e. the Garda Representative Association (GRA), to represent Garda trainees. Section 18 is now in force since 31 March, 2006.

Regulations under the 2005 Act, and consultation with Garda management and the GRA, would be required to provide representation for trainees, and I will now be considering how best to progress the matter.