Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans and the Garda management plans to increase the strength of the Garda reserve in the absence of recruitment to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32820/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The moratorium on Public Service Recruitment does not apply to members of the Garda Reserve, as they are volunteers, and recruitment to the Reserve is ongoing. The target strength of the Garda Reserve is 10% of the full time Force and I would like to assure the House that the Government are fully committed to its continued development. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that as of the 31 May, 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Garda Reserve was 918, with a further 225 in training.

Members of the Garda Reserve make a hugely valuable contribution to policing. I would like to place on record my appreciation of the members of the Reserve who give of their time on a voluntary basis and for their ongoing commitment to the Garda Síochána.