Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
344. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of reserve gardaí that are suspended; the duration of their suspension including the year in which it commenced; the maximum duration that a reserve member of An Garda Síochána can be suspended for; if the number of reserve gardaí that have resigned their position; and the number that have been dismissed since the use of reservists commenced. [13577/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as at 8 March 2022, a total of 4 Garda Reserves are suspended. The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the date and duration of each suspension.
|
Number of Reserves Suspended |
Date Suspension Commenced |
Duration of Suspension |
|
1 |
January 2018 |
4 Years and 2 months |
|
1 |
December 2019 |
2 Years and 3 months |
|
1 |
May 2021 |
10 Months |
|
1 |
January 2022 |
2 months |
I am further informed that there is no maximum duration that a Reserve Garda in An Garda Síochána can be suspended for, as each case is different and has to be decided on its merits. Each suspension is reviewed on a regular basis for any changes in circumstances. I am advised that since the commencement of the Garda Reserve 15 Reserves have been dismissed.
I am further advised that 1,230 Reserve Gardaí have resigned since the commencement of the Garda Reserve, which can arise in a range of ways owing to an individual's other commitments and personal circumstances. This number includes 268 Reserve Gardaí who, since 2013, were successful in applying to join An Garda Síochána full-time. Reserve Gardaí are required to resign from the Reserve, prior to signing their Garda Trainee contract.
