Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
251. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Garda Reserve will be completed; if the findings of the review will be published; and the status of the promised recruitment campaign that had a stated objective of an increase of 1,500 Reserve members. [41705/19]
View answerUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the allocation and distribution of resources including the recruitment and training of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The Deputy may wish to note that a class of approximately 100 Garda reserve recruits commenced training in March 2019 at the Garda College, Templemore. This is a positive development and delivers on the target set out under 'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a strategic review of the Garda Reserve to inform future decisions around its use. I understand that the review is at an advanced stage. This approach is in line with the relevant action in "A Policing Service for the Future". The Strategy is expected to inform the development and preparation for a new Reserve recruitment drive by the end of 2019. The decision to publish the findings of the review will be a matter for the Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
