Garda reserve numbers halve in two-year period - Smyth
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth has raised concerns about the dramatic fall in Garda Reserve figures over the past two years. New data released to Fianna Fáil reveals that the number of Garda Reserve members in the Cavan-Monaghan division reduced from 27 in 2014 to just 14 in September 2016.
“Garda Reserve members play an important role in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, while ensuring people feel safe in their own communities. The 2015 Garda Inspectorate Report raised concerns that despite receiving considerable training, Reserves are not consistently or strategically maximised for operational purposes.
“Fianna Fáil remains fully supportive of our gardaí and strengthening the concept of wider policing in the community. The Confidence and Supply arrangement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael commits to increase Garda recruitment to provide an additional 2,000 gardaí which will lead to an increase in the number of officers assigned to community policing.
“This Government must reassure our local communities that proper resources are being allocated to tackle crime. The focus must remain on providing measures targeted at crime-prevention, removing fear from rural localities and enhancing support for the victims of crime,” concluded Deputy Smyth.