Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the plans that are in place for the future of the Garda Reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35920/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The government’s plan to modernise An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future, commits An Garda Síochána to developing and implementing a new Garda Reserve Strategy.

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.

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

The strategic objectives will be delivered in a Garda action plan, which will ensure An Garda Síochána make the Garda Reserve Programme a worthwhile commitment for the volunteers who give their time to help keep their communities safe.

I am informed that An Garda Síochána have established a Garda Reserve Strategy Implementation Group and an Oversight Committee to ensure the objectives within the action plan are delivered, supporting Garda personnel and the communities they serve.

I understand that consideration is also being given by An Garda Síochána to ensuring that the Garda Reserve can serve as a pathway to future recruitment competitions for Garda members, where individuals have a desire to progress to that position.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is currently anticipated that a Garda Reserve recruitment process will be launched in late 2022 or early 2023, predicated upon agreement with the Public Appointments Service as to the timeframe for the recruitment campaign.