McDowell to observe reserve force

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell and members of the Oireachtas Justice Committee are to go on a fact-finding visit to Britain to observe a police reserve force.

Mr McDowell is considering the creation of a reserve body to aid and assist An Garda Síochána.

A provision enabling the establishment of such a force is contained in the draft Garda Síochána Bill 2003.

The minister invited the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights to join him on a visit to see a police reserve force in operation in London.

“The minister has invited members of the committee across to the UK, to meet with those running a reserve force there and to observe how it operates,” said Seán Ardagh TD, committee chairman.

Mr Ardagh said arrangements were being made with the Department of Justice and he envisaged the visit would take place by the end of November.

Committee member and Labour Party justice spokesperson Joe Costello said he had major doubts about the idea.

“I wouldn’t have much time for it. What we need is more gardaí. That would be better than a para-police service.”

Garda associations have also expressed concerns at the idea and fear the minister is trying to bring in policing on the cheap after reneging on the Government’s promise to hire an additional 2,000 gardaí.

Mr McDowell told the Justice Committee this week that the provisions in the bill were purely “enabling” and that the idea was still in gestation. “The Government has not yet decided to create such a body. I have already given a commitment to the garda representative associations that the matter will not be proceeded with in the absence of consultation.”

Some government sources have expressed doubt over the financial feasibility of the force, especially given the tight budgetary conditions.

Mr McDowell said he was aware of the cost concerns. “Obviously, the setting up of a Garda Reserve has important implications in relation to resources, functions and administration,” he said.

Mr McDowell pointed out that some reserve forces were voluntary, with members only paid expenses.

The minister said the last thing he wanted to do was create a “yellow pack” policing body.

Although the minister has declined to give specifics, the reserve force could be deployed at major public or sporting events.