Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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91. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to support the establishment of a representative association for Garda Síochána reservists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9546/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Reserve was established in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to enhance the links between An Garda Síochána and local communities and consists of voluntary unpaid members, drawn from the community, to support the work of An Garda Síochána. Reserve members who work a minimum of 208 hours in a 12 month period receive an allowance of €1,000 per annum as a contribution towards their expenses.

There are currently in the region of 900 reserves making a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised by the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to double their number so that they can act in a supportive role to full-time members, undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures.

In addition, in recent years the Garda Commissioner has conferred further powers on reserve members under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and has also decided that they should carry out more duties including the serving of summonses, and the issuing of Fixed Charge Penalty Notices where offences are detected. I very much welcome this expanded role for the Garda Reserve and also the inclusion of a special stream for eligible reserve members in the 2016 recruitment campaign for full-time members of An Garda Síochána.

Section 18 of the 2005 Act provides for the establishment, in accordance with regulations, of Garda representative associations for the purpose of representing members in all matters affecting their welfare and efficiency including pay, pension and conditions of service. There are currently four Associations, representing ranks up to that of Chief Superintendent, provided for by regulations. It is my view that the voluntary ethos underpinning the Garda Reserve does not fit with the purpose of representative associations as provided for in the 2005 Act and I have no plans to make provision for such a body.