Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fully attested persons currently serving in the Garda Reserve. [13138/07]

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

The Garda Commissioner is proceeding with the recruitment and training of 1,500 members of the Garda Reserve. The first group of 36 Garda Reserves completed their training and were formally attested as members of An Garda Síochána on 15 December 2006.

A further 87 Reserve trainees are currently in training, some of whom will be attested next month. Recruitment and selection of trainees for the Reserve is continuing. The next group of trainees will commence training later this month.

While I am satisfied generally with the progress being made in the recruitment and training of Reserve members, I consider that the process of initial recruitment can be made more efficient if it is given a local dimension. In that context, I have asked the Garda Commissioner, and he has agreed, to involve local Garda Superintendents directly in local recruitment arrangements to attract suitable candidates from the local community. This will assist in ensuring that the 1,500 target is reached as soon as possible.

The Commissioner has also appointed a Chief Superintendent to oversee the Garda Reserve on a full-time basis. I will of course, in conjunction with the Commissioner, keep all procedures relating to the Garda Reserve under review to ensure that target figure of 1,500 is reached.