Vol. 575 No. 3
82 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made regarding 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. [28251/03]
115 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made in the establishment of a reserve or ancillary Garda force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28295/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 115 together.
On 30 July 2003 I published the general scheme of the Garda Síochána Bill 2003, which contains several measures to strengthen the operational capacity of the Garda Síochána. The general scheme contains, inter alia, an enabling provision for the establishment of a Garda reserve.
Many people around the country would be willing to give some of their time in assisting the Garda Síochána in the discharge of its functions and, in so doing, give something back to their community. I believe that such a development would have beneficial effects for the establishment of closer connections between the gardaí and the communities in which they serve. The consultation and drafting phases for the Garda Síochána Bill are at an advanced stage, and I expect to be in a position to publish the Bill shortly. The Bill will set out the role and powers of members of the reserve. As I have stated previously, the Bill will contain the necessary enabling provision, but the Government has not yet taken a final decision on when such a force should be established. Any decision will also be the subject of consultations with the Garda representative bodies.
