Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the allocation and distribution of resources including the recruitment and training of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no responsibility in this matter. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

The strength of the Garda Reserve in each of the years from 2009 to 31 October 2019, as provided by me by the Garda Commissioner, is available on my Department’s website at the following link:

It should be noted that the distribution of Garda Reserves is included in that table on a Divisional basis only. These figures are updated by my Department on a monthly basis, as provided by the Garda authorities.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that a class of approximately 100 Garda Reserve recruits commenced training in March 2019 at the Garda College, Templemore.  This is a positive development and delivers on the target set out under 'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.  Those from among this class who complete their training are expected to attest as Garda Reserves in March or April 2020.