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.

However, the minister received a boost from an unexpected quarter as the GRA’s British equivalent - the Police Federation - said it had no issues with the operation of the British reserve force known as the Special Constabulary.

A Police Federation spokesman said: “It is complementary to the full-time force. We would regard it as a welcome additional resource.”

The federation, which represents almost 140,000 officers in Britain, said its only concern was that the reserve force would be used to prop up staffing levels among the full-time force.

However, the Police Federation said it understood the concerns of the GRA and other garda bodies such as the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI).

The Police Federation said special constables had comparable training to regular officers, although over a longer period.

However, Mr Stone insisted there was a big difference in policing between Britain and Ireland.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio, he said: “Last year I had a member of our force coming within an inch of losing his life because he didn’t have a stab-proof vest. You won’t get a police officer in England or Wales on duty without their CS gas. We don’t have those.”

He also criticised the lack of consultation with the GRA and AGSI.

Earlier this week, Mr McDowell promised to plough on with his proposals by hiring an initial batch of 900 part-time members.