Barry Cowen
Ceist:83. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when further training will commence for applicants to An Garda Síochána Reserve. [11606/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2016
Ceisteanna (83)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the recruitment and training of the Garda Reserve is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 31 March 2016, the strength of the Garda Reserve stood at 908 with 18 reserves in training.
Applications to become a member of the Garda Reserve can currently be made through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) website. The PAS processes applications on behalf of An Garda Síochána and admission to become a reserve member is subject to the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2006.
The Garda Reserve makes a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised in the Programme for Government "A Programme for a Partnership Government" which includes a commitment to double the Garda Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. In this regard, I understand that the Garda Commissioner intends to launch a fresh recruitment drive for Garda Reserves this year. The expansion of the Garda Reserve will complement the commitments in the Programme to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000 and also to increase further civilianisation to free up Gardaí to front-line policing duties. The delivery of these measures over the lifetime of the Government will ensure a visible policing presence in communities nationwide.