Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on whether members of the Garda Reserve should receive some preferential treatment, if and when they decide to apply to join An Garda Síochána, considering the level of service they would have already given to An Garda Síochána, and the experience they would have obtained in doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19544/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to put on record my appreciation for the contribution that those who volunteer for service as Garda Reserve members 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 Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 provide that, as part of the competitive selection process organised by the Public Appointments Service for full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, "due recognition to any satisfactory service by the person as a reserve member"shall be given to such candidates. This provision was introduced in order to acknowledge the beneficial experience and skills gained by a reserve member and to allow them, at assessments and at interview, the opportunity to highlight that experience and skill. It is important that all persons wishing to join the full time force undergo the same competitive selection and recruitment process. In doing so the integrity of the process is maintained at all stages of the competition.