Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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101. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding An Garda Síochána Reserve (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21083/15]

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.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding promoting members of An Garda Síochána Reserve to be full-time members of An Garda Síochána (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21084/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Recruitment competitions to An Garda Síochána are open to all who meet the eligibility criteria which are set out in the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013.

For those who do meet these requirements, the Admission and Appointment Regulations 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.