David Stanton
Ceist:556. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the amount of time typically taken to train a member of the Garda Reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57706/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 November 2022
Ceisteanna (556)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing, controlling and generally carrying on the business of An Garda Síochána including the recruitment and training of Garda members, Garda reserves and Garda staff.
Established in 2006, the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and give something back to their communities. The Reserve reinforces An Garda Síochána's essential community links, and provides the capacity to draw on additional resources to assist in policing.
As part of the government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future, the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.
The Strategy, published in October 2021, is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which will be held next year, and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed for five years initially.
I am informed that following the initial application stage and on successful completion of an interview, medical examination and security clearance, applicants are invited to attend training to become a member of the Garda Reserve.
The information below, which is publicly available on the Garda website, outlines the training programme for the Garda Reserve.
Garda Reserve Training Programme:
- Phase I: Two day induction course (Weekdays) at the Garda College, Templemore, Co. Tipperary covering the following areas: Introduction to An Garda Síochána, Human Rights, Discipline, Ethics and Organisational Culture.
- Phase II: Two week all inclusive course to be held at the Garda College (Monday - Friday not including weekends). The course will include training in retractable baton, incapacitant spray and Tetra radio.
- Phase III: Two day course (weekdays) at the Garda College.
- Phase IV: Minimum of 40 hours on the job training at a designated Garda station to include accompanied beat patrol and station duty.
- Phase V: One day attestation and graduation ceremony - weekday at the Garda College.