Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2010
194 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests that have been carried out by members of the Garda Reserve since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5911/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy at this time, but will do so as soon as the information is available.
195 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the report on Garda resources by the Garda inspectorate, he envisages the Garda Reserve developing along the same lines as the reserve forces in the United Kingdom and other countries where reserve members, after a certain period of time and service, are fast tracked into full-time service instead of the current situation where Garda Reserve members who apply to become full-time gardaí have to go through the normal recruitment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5912/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra196 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the fact that so far, only 50 members of the Garda Reserve have joined An Garda Síochána as full-time members in view of the fact that many of the 50 had already applied before they entered the reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5913/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra197 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the current system of recruitment of Garda Reserve members who apply to become full-time members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5914/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra198 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on proposals that after a certain period of service and experience gained by Garda Reserve members, they should be allowed to take on more duties and powers to develop the role and help their full-time colleagues more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5915/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 198, inclusive, together.
At the end of 2009 there were approximately 484 attested members of the Garda Reserve with over 160 additional personnel in training. The Government is strongly committed to the development of the Reserve. It has been a singularly successful initiative and reflects the strong sense of voluntary commitment from the individuals concerned. I am confident that it will continue to flourish into the future.
To date approximately 40 Reserve members of An Garda Síochána have moved on to become trainee full-time members. I believe that it is a significant success for the Garda organisation as a whole that Reserve members are being attracted to become full-time members and the Garda Síochána Admission and Appointments Regulations, which govern full-time entry to An Garda Síochána, provide that recognition is given for satisfactory service in the Reserve. I have no proposals to amend the Regulations at this stage but I will keep the position under review.
The specific duties assigned to members of the Garda Reserve are a matter for the Garda Commissioner under Section 15(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
