Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

As the Deputy will be aware, service in the Reserve is voluntary and unpaid. However, an allowance is payable to Reserve members who complete a minimum of 208 hours of duty annually as a contribution towards expenses incurred in performing their duties. The allowance is currently set at €1,000 per annum. Reserves are also reimbursed for expenses incurred while attending court in respect of their service as a Reserve.

Ihave requested the details of the percentage of Garda Reserves who completed 208 hours of service or more as of 31 December 2019 from the Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.