Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As part of the Government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, 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 is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, including members of the Garda Reserve. Furthermore, the initial stages of Garda recruitment campaigns are conducted on behalf of the Commissioner by the independent Public Appointments Service (PAS). Neither I as Minister nor the Department have any role in this recruitment process.

Established in 2006, the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and give something back to their communities. The Reserve reinforces An Garda Síochána's essential community links, and provides capacity to draw on additional resources to assist in policing.

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 is intended to be held in Q1 of 2024.

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. My Department is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.