Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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269. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers and work of the Garda Reserve; her views on their work and dedication; if she will consider supporting those reserves and their wish to enter full-time training and employment in An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43864/14]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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285. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on allocating a percentage of all new Garda recruitment places to applications from Garda reserves. [41249/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to takes Questions No. 269 and 285 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Garda Reserve on 30 September 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 1,112 with a further 84 in training. The Commissioner has advised that the Garda Reserve continue to be a significant additional resource available to the Force in terms of supplementing its policing and other functions. I would also like to record my appreciation to Garda Reserve members for the contribution and service they make on a daily basis to the work of An Garda Síochána. Together with full time members, they provide vital assistance to communities and neighbourhoods right across the country.

The Deputy will be aware that the competition for recruitment to An Garda Síochána was run by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Garda Commissioner. It is important that all persons wishing to join the full time force undergo the same competitive selection and recruitment process. The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 provides that in a competition for full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, the Public Appointments Service shall take into account"any satisfactory service by the person as a reserve member of the Garda Síochána". This provision was introduced in order to acknowledge the beneficial experience and skills gained by a Reserve member and to allow them the opportunity to highlight that experience and skill at any stage of the selection process.

As you will be aware the first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits commenced training in the Garda College, Templemore, on 15 September 2014. This marked a positive step forward for policing in Ireland. I would like to point out that twenty-five of this intake were former members of the Garda Reserve. The process of recruiting 200 additional Gardaí will continue over the next few months. This will bring to 300 the number of recruits in the Garda College and is a measure of this Government's commitment to ensure that recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues seamlessly. The recruits who are already in training will attest as members of the Garda Síochána in May of 2015 and will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner.