Vol. 572 No. 4
78 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made in regard to his consideration of the establishment of a Garda reserve force; the role and powers of such a force; the numbers that would be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23361/03]
On 30 July 2003 I published the general scheme of the Garda Síochána Bill 2003 which contains a number of measures to strengthen the operational capacity of the Garda Síochána. The Bill contains, inter alia, an enabling provision for the establishment of a Garda reserve force.
In relation to the provision for the establishment of a Garda reserve, many people would be willing to give of their time in serving in such a body, enabling them to give something back to their community. Such a development would have beneficial effects for the establishment of closer connections between the gardaí and the communities in which they serve.
I should point out, however, that the provision relating to the Garda reserve force is purely an enabling provision – the Government has not yet decided to create such a body. I am now considering the details to be included in the enabling provision in the Bill which will be published before Christmas.
