Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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151. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the current strength of the Garda Reserve; her plans for the future of the Garda Reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19375/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the current strength of the Garda Reserve on the 31 March 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 1,079.

I fully support the important role of the Garda Reserve in the delivery of the policing service. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that she is currently finalising arrangements to extend the powers and functions of Reserve members with a view to implementation at an early date.