Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
62. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No.112 of 29 March 2022, when the recruitment competition for the Garda Reserve will be launched; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26136/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the management of An Garda Síochána as well as the allocation and distribution of resources. This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister, I have no responsibility in these matters.
As I noted in my response to the Parliamentary Question to which the Deputy has referred, the Garda Commissioner recently published the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which has a focus on how to optimise the Garda Reserve and includes a commitment regarding future recruitment of the Reserve. The first strategic objective of the Garda Reserve Strategy is to recruit Reserve Gardaí on an initial five-year tenure, while eliminating perceived barriers and promoting inclusive recruitment.
Consideration is also being given by An Garda Síochána to ensuring that the Garda Reserve can serve as a pathway to future recruitment competitions for Garda members, where individuals have a desire to progress to that position.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is currently anticipated that a Garda Reserve recruitment process will be launched in late 2022 or early 2023, predicated upon agreement with the Public Appointments Service as to the timeframe for the recruitment campaign.
