Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1098. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will set out the establishment number and the current number in the Garda Reserve force; if the Garda Commissioner plans to recruit additional members during the course of 2023; if a review has taken place of the role and function of the Garda Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1017/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.

I would however like to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to the members of the Garda Reserve for their service and for the valuable contribution they make to policing throughout the country.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2022, the Garda Reserve strength is 375 members.

As part of the Government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future (APSFF), the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.

The Strategy published in October 2021, and available on the Garda website, is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. The Strategy aims to ensure that members of the Reserve are fully supported by local Garda management and that the role is recognised and promoted throughout the organisation.

The Garda Commissioner has established an implementation group and oversight committee to ensure the Strategy delivers on its objectives, and I look forward to working with him to increase the number of members of the Reserve and in realising its full potential as a resource to policing and in providing a pathway to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, including from minority communities.

A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which I understand will be held Q4 2023 or Q1 2024, and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed.

I understand that the campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates, in keeping with the Reserve's role as a visible form of community engagement. The Department of Justice is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to provide support and flexibility to Reserve Gardaí carrying out their functions in a voluntary capacity.