Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the Garda Reserve Force; the number involved; and his proposals for the future of same. [5428/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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At the end of 2009 there were approximately 484 attested members of the Garda Reserve.

The Government is strongly committed to the development of the Reserve. It has been a singularly successful initiative and reflects the strong sense of voluntary commitment from the individuals concerned. I am confident that it will continue to flourish into the future.

To date approximately 40 Reserve members of An Garda Síochána have moved on to become trainee full-time members. I believe that it is a significant success for the Garda organisation as a whole that Reserve members are being attracted to become full-time members and the Garda Síochána Admission and Appointments Regulations, which govern full-time entry to An Garda Síochána, provide that recognition is given for satisfactory service in the Reserve.

The specific duties assigned to members of the Garda Reserve are a matter for the Garda Commissioner under Section 15 (5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.