Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the latest position in regard to the proposed Garda Reserve; the number of applications received to date; the number of applications processed and approved; if training procedures are in place; if an upper limit has been agreed for membership of the Reserve; when the first members of the Reserve will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2006 were approved by Government in July 2006. Following this, a nationwide advertising and recruitment campaign for both Garda Reserve trainees and full-time Garda trainees was launched on 14 August 2006. The recruitment campaign for full-time trainees closed on 19 September 2006. Recruitment for the Garda Reserve will continue indefinitely.

Recruitment for the Garda Reserve is being carried out by the Public Appointments Service. Applications are being accepted by both internet and phone. The total number of formal applications for the Garda Reserve at 19 September was 6,661. This demonstrates the significant level of public interest in the Garda Reserve and the willingness of people to serve their local communities.

It is planned to recruit 900 Reserve members in the current recruitment campaign. Interviews for the first tranche of Reserve trainees were held in the week beginning 11 September. Candidates for Reserve trainee have to undergo medical examinations and are subject to the same vetting process as full-time applicants. Reserve trainees must be aged under 60 when commencing training.

The first group of 37 trainees commenced training in the Garda College in Templemore last Saturday, 30 September.

The comprehensive training programme for Garda Reserve trainees consists of more than 120 hours initial training, which is in accordance with best international standards. The programme consists of five phases as follows:

Phase One is a two day induction course to give Reserve members an appreciation of the Garda Organisation and its culture.

Phase Two will consist of 56 hours training at evenings / weekends during which the trainee Reserve members will learn basic law and Garda procedures.

Phase Three will be two days during which the trainee Reserve members will engage in role play exercises including radio procedures and be instructed in self defence, handcuff techniques and use of equipment.

Phase Four will be a minimum of 40 hours at a nominated Garda Station during which the Trainee Reserve members will engage in accompanied beat patrol with a full-time Garda and Station duty under a Station Sergeant.

Phase Five will be a one day graduation at the Garda College.

The initial group of trainees will be assigned to the following five Garda stations: Sligo, Mill Street in Galway, Anglesea Street in Cork, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 and Store Street, Dublin 1.

Preparations are being made for the introduction of the Reserve into other areas of the country in the coming months. Applicants will be contacted in the near future to advise them of the selection procedures for these areas.