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______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 29/03/2022
Question Number(s): 112 Question Reference(s): 16086/22
Department: Justice
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION


To ask the Minister for Justice the current strength of the Garda Reserve; the number of female and male members respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY


As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the management of An Garda Síochána as well as the allocation and distribution of resources. This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister, I have no responsibility in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as at 23 March 2022, there are 408 members of the Garda Reserve of which 105 (26%) are female and 303 (74%) are male.

Separately, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the Garda Commissioner recently published the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which has a focus on how to optimise the Garda Reserve and includes a commitment regarding future recruitment of the reserve. The first strategic objective of the Garda Reserve Strategy is to recruit Reserve Gardaí on an initial five-year tenure, while eliminating perceived barriers and promoting inclusive recruitment.

I am informed that preparatory work is ongoing by management in An Garda Síochána for an upcoming recruitment competition to the Garda Reserve. I understand An Garda Síochána has also set up an internal working group to review the legislative and policy requirements around the reserve ahead of this competition.

It is currently anticipated that a Garda Reserve recruitment process will be launched later in 2022, predicated upon agreement with the Public Appointments Service as to the timeframe for the recruitment campaign.

Consideration will be given as part of the process to ensuring that the Garda Reserve can serve as a pathway to future recruitment competitions for Garda members, where individuals have a desire to progress to that position.