Gardaí ‘baffled’ by McDowell’s plans for reserve force

GARDA representatives yesterday described as “baffling and nonsensical” plans by the Justice Minister to create a reserve police force.

In a hard-hitting statement, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said the force was at its “wits end” and that gardaí on the ground were “extremely disillusioned”.

Mr McDowell plans to introduce a provision next year allowing for the establishment of a 1,400-strong Garda Reserve. He said the force, made up of unpaid volunteers, would free up gardaí for frontline duties.