New graduates provide boost for Garda Reserve

THE number of garda reservists will reach 270 today with the graduation of the latest batch of recruits.

A additional set of 10 recruits are due to graduate this Saturday, bringing the total strength of the Garda Reserve to 280.

The main garda representative associations accepted the reality of the Garda Reserve in 2006 following a lengthy and acrimonious dispute with former justice minister Michael McDowell and, to a lesser extent, ex-Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy.