Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013
244. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he intends resurrecting the Garda Reserve Force in order that their hours may be used at more beneficial times, such as St. Patrick's Day parades or sporting events, which would mean less rostering of full members at these times. [15438/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the detailed allocation of all resources, including Garda Reservists, throughout the organisation is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner in consultation with his senior management and I have no direct function in this matter. On 28 February 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were over 1,000 Garda Reserves throughout the country.
The range of powers and duties of Reserve Gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine under section 15 (5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Such duties include policing at the outer cordon of major events such as festivals and major sporting events.
