Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when current applicants to the Garda Reserves will be called for training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43982/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 vests full control, direction and operation of An Garda Síochána in the office of Commissioner. The allocation of resources including recruitment and training of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no responsibility in this matter.

To inform future decisions around the use of the Reserve, An Garda Siochana is currently conducting a strategic review as a matter of priority. This approach is in line with the recommendation by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which published its report in September. The Commission also recommended that recruitment to the Reserve be paused pending completion of the strategic review.

The Commission's report is a major report on one of the key functions of the State and it is now receiving appropriate consideration. My Department is engaged in a detailed consultation process and as part of this process, I have asked the Garda Commissioner to respond to the recommendations in the report insofar as they directly concern An Garda Síochána. I have requested that this response will include an implementation plan of how he intends to take matters forward.

Once these engagements are completed, I will bring a High-level Implementation Plan and proposed project structure to Government for approval before the end of the year.  

I would advise any candidate with a query on the status of their application for entry into the Garda Reserve to contact the Garda Appointments Office directly.