Pa Daly
Question:1039. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to provide a timeframe for the recruitment of additional reservists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1743/25]
View answerWednesday, 22 January 2025
Questions (1039, 1055)
Pa Daly
Question:1055. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the latest intake into the Garda reserve. [2000/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1039 and 1055 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner is also responsible for the Garda Reserve under the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2024. As Minister, I have no role in the recruitment or training process for the Reserve.
The most recent competition to recruit Garda Reserves attracted around 1,800 applications.
I am advised that an initial group of applicants were invited to interview across August and September 2024. Candidates deemed suitable are now being invited to complete Garda vetting and it is my understanding as soon as candidates are cleared through the vetting process, they will be invited to a Garda Reserve intake. They can then begin training under the supervision of the Garda College to ensure they can support Garda Members in their duties on the frontline.
I am informed by AGS that the first intake of Reserve Trainees is expected to enter Templemore early this year.