Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2009
403 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members in the Garda Reserve Force here; the number deployed in Athlone, Mullingar and Longford and in total throughout this garda division; and if he will make a statement on the role of the Garda Reserve Force. [15397/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe personnel strength of the Garda Reserve as at 31 March 2009 was 322, with a further 152 persons in training. The number of attested Garda Reserve members currently assigned to the stations mentioned by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Station |
Number |
|
Athlone |
1 |
|
Mullingar |
6 |
|
Longford |
1 |
The Garda stations mentioned above fall into two separate Divisions. Athlone and Mullingar are in the Westmeath Division where the total number of Reserve members is 7. Longford is in the Roscommon/Longford Division where the total number of Reserve members is 4.
The Government is strongly committed to the development of the Reserve. Recruitment to the Reserve is continuing and regular promotional campaigns to attract Reserve members are being undertaken. The moratorium on recruitment and appointments in the public service does not apply to the Garda Reserve.
I am fully satisfied that the Reserve provides a valuable contribution to the Garda Síochána and to the many communities where it is operating. In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to the members of the Reserve who serve on a voluntary basis and give of their time very generously.
