Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1485. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown, by Garda division of the number of An Garda Síochána Reserve members currently enrolled and active nationally; the number of reserve personnel deployed in each division over the past 12-months; the total number of operational duty days performed by reserve members in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44941/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1486. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reserve members assigned to Cork city, as of 31 May 2025; the number of these actively deployed. [44973/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1485 and 1486 together.

Garda Reserve deployment focuses on supporting An Garda Síochána in communities through local patrols, crime reduction, community engagement, and operational support for regular Garda members, particularly at major incidents and events. Reserves provide on-the-ground assistance and leverage their local knowledge, operating under the supervision of full-time Gardaí.

In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Garda Reserve members by Division, including Cork City, is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/.

The Deputy should select last relevant month and access the file titled “Garda Reserve by Division 2009 to 31 July 2025” for a breakdown of Garda Reserve numbers going back to 2009.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that of the 296 Garda Reserves, there are currently 123 Garda Reserve members who have completed hours between 1 July 2024 and 31 June 2025.

The below table details the number of reserve personnel deployed in each division between 1 July 2024 and 31 June 2025.

Last year saw new regulations brought forward governing recruitment, training and deployment of the Reserve. I believe this also represents a great opportunity to broaden the recruitment pool for An Garda Síochána, particularly among communities which have not traditionally joined the service in large numbers.

A competition to recruit Garda Reserves opened in June 2024, the first in many years, and received over 1,800 applications. Garda Reserves play a vital role in their communities, and the revised regulations brought forward will allow them to contribute even more effectively.

In addition, to help support the work of Reserves, the maximum stipend a Reserve member receives for voluntary service in a given year has been increased from €1,000 to €3,000.