Garda reserve force ‘would put lives at risk’

THE row over controversial proposals by Justice Minister Michael McDowell to introduce a voluntary garda reserve intensified yesterday with the Garda Representative Association (GRA) claiming the measure would place the lives of existing gardaí at risk.

GRA general secretary PJ Stone claims that plans for a 4,000-strong auxiliary force were being used as a smokescreen to mask under-funding of the force.

He also accused the minister of attempting to “hoodwink” the public into accepting a police force that was not properly trained.