Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members in the Garda Reserve and the functions they are serving. [17999/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that as of 31 May 2011, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of attested members of the Garda Reserve was 761 with approximately a further 181 in training.

The range of powers and duties of Reserve Gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine under section 15 (5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The duties of a Garda reserve member include the following:

· Station duty, other than the care and custody of prisoners.

· Assistant to the station orderly.

· Communications room duty, to include monitoring CCTV.

· Foot patrol, accompanied by a member of the full-time Garda service.

· Static security duty.

· Road Traffic checkpoint duties, accompanied by a full time member.

· Duty at the outer cordon of major events such as festivals and major sporting events.

· Assisting in the event of accidents, fires and major emergencies.

· Giving evidence in court.

· Community / Neighbourhood Policing.

The role of the Garda Reserve has, as recommended by the Garda Inspectorate, been under review and I look forward to the outcome of that review.

The Government remains strongly committed to the development of the Reserve.