Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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102. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for when the Garda Reserve will reopen for recruitment of new volunteer members given recruitment is currently under way in all statutory and non-statutory voluntary emergency services with the exception of the Garda Reserve. [8795/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the management of An Garda Síochána as well as the allocation and distribution of resources. This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister, I have no responsibility in these matters.

The Garda Commissioner recently published the Garda Reserve Strategy, which has a focus on how to make best use of the Reserve and includes a commitment regarding future recruitment of the Reserve. The first strategic objective of the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025 is to recruit Reserve Gardaí on an initial five year tenure, while both eliminating perceived barriers and promoting inclusive recruitment.

I am informed that preparatory work is ongoing by management in An Garda Síochána for an upcoming recruitment competition to the Reserve. I understand An Garda Síochána have also set up an internal working group to review the legislative and policy requirements around the Reserve ahead of this competition.

It is currently anticipated that a Garda Reserve recruitment process will be launched later in 2022, predicated upon agreement with the Public Appointments Service as to the timeframe.

Consideration will clearly have to be given as part of the process to ensuring that the Reserve can serve as a pathway to future recruitment competitions for Garda members, where individuals have a desire to progress to that position.

As the Deputy will be aware, last week An Garda Síochána commenced their new recruitment campaign for Garda members. I would urge anyone who wants to join An Garda Síochána to apply for a position in the service but I would particularly urge women, members of new Irish communities and people from minority groups to consider a career in An Garda Síochána. Both the Government and the Garda Commissioner are committed to increasing diversity within An Garda Síochána and ensuring that all communities can see themselves reflected in our police service. Budget 2022 has provided for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí and 400 Garda staff this year and many of the 800 Gardaí to be recruited will be drawn from this competition.