Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 39: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda Reserve recruited to date; the stations to which they have been allocated; the number of applicants for the Reserve currently in training; if he is satisfied with the rate of recruitment; when he expects that the full complement of 1,500 will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32858/08]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 47: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to review the operation of the Garda Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32769/08]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 89: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the operation and function of the Garda Reserve is being benchmarked against similar reserves in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32770/08]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 90: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the effectiveness of the Garda Reserve since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32768/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 47, 89 and 90 together.

I believe that the establishment of the Garda Reserve is one of the most imaginative innovations in policing in Ireland in recent years. It has strengthened the links between An Garda Síochána and local communities and is a source of local support and knowledge. Full-time and Reserve members are working well together. I believe that the positive impacts made since the establishment of the Reserve in late 2006 bode well for the future of the force. Research into the operation and function of reserve police in other countries was carried out prior to the establishment of the Garda Reserve. This international research included visits to police forces in the UK, establishing contacts with people in other countries such as the USA and Canada, and the sourcing of information from other countries on the subject. This ensured that the establishment and operation of the Garda Reserve was in line with the best international standards.

An operational review of the Garda Reserve was carried out by the Garda Commissioner earlier this year which is currently being considered by him. At 30 September 2008, there were 254 attested Reserve Gardaí and 157 Reserve trainees. The 254 attested members currently operational are assigned to the following stations:

Dublin Metropolitan Region

Pearse St, Kevin Street, Kilmainham, Donnybrook, Store St, Bridewell, Fitzgibbon Street, Clondalkin, Finglas, Lucan, Ballyfermot, Blanchardstown, Ronanstown, Santry, Raheny, Swords, Clontarf, Coolock, Ballymun, Balbriggan, Malahide, Howth, Crumlin, Sundrive Road, Rathmines, Terenure, Tallaght, Rathfarnham, Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock.

Cork

Mayfield, Gurranabraher, Midleton, Fermoy, Anglesea Street, Watercourse Road and Togher.

Other Regions

Sligo, Galway, Henry Street Limerick, Ennis, Tralee, Waterford, Tramore, Kilkenny, Wexford, New Ross, Gorey, Enniscorthy, Arklow, Wicklow, Bray, Newbridge, Baltinglass, Naas, Carlow, Clonmel, Cahir, Carrick on Suir, Tipperary town, Thurles, Cavan town, Monaghan town, Drogheda, Dundalk, Kells, Navan, Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, Mullingar, Longford, Letterkenny, Tullamore, Portlaoise and Roscommon.

The Agreed Programme for Government has set a target strength for the Reserve at 10% of the full-time strength of the force. In the Annual Policing Plan for 2008 the Garda Commissioner has set a target of recruiting 270 Reserve members this year. To date this year 147 people have been recruited. As the Garda Reserve depends on volunteers who undertake their training and other duties during their free time, it is difficult to predict how many people will commence training in any particular period. However I can assure the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner is making every effort to reach the recruitment target. Recruitment is ongoing and the Public Appointments Service (PAS) has received 2,843 new applications to join the Reserve already this year up to end August. The PAS hold interviews on a rolling basis at a range of locations around the country. The ongoing marketing campaign to recruit members to the Garda Reserve includes indoor and outdoor advertising campaigns and radio and TV promotional interviews nationally and locally.