Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider the creation of a service medal for members of the Garda Reserve similar to that currently awarded to members of the Army and Naval Reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39549/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of the Garda Reserve. The first intake to the Garda Reserve in Templemore Garda College was on 30 September 2006. Members of the Garda Reserve provide invaluable services to the organisation and its current strength is just over 900. I would like to place on record my appreciation of the members of the Reserve who give their time on a voluntary basis and for their ongoing commitment to the Garda Síochána. Service medals are not awarded to members of the full time force and as such the award of service medals to Reserve Gardaí does not arise.