McDowell: Public may turn on Gardaí over reserve resistance

The general public may turn on the Gardaí if a reserve force is not welcomed, Justice Minister Michael McDowell warned tonight.

Speaking out after more intensive discussions with the Garda Representative Association, Mr McDowell said it was his view that if people were more positive about the force it would be a happier experience for all involved.

Despite the GRA and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) still strongly opposing the scheme, the recruitment process for the first 900 of 4,000 reservists proposed will begin within months.

He said: “If the public get the idea that the voluntary reserve was damaged by a policy of non-cooperation, it wouldn’t be the volunteers or Government being seen responsible in the eyes of the public. It would be the people carrying out the campaign in that result. It will end up on their doorstep.”

Mr McDowell said issues raised during discussions included how the figure of 4,000 was chosen and pensionable age.

“It was a useful discussion, with food for thought,” he said. “I am leaving the door open and asking everybody to have as much impact as they can in the policy.

“The whole proposals of reserves is to make the Gardai more effective and a better and bigger constitution.

“If it works, Ireland will be much the better for it and I believe it will work if given the wind.”

Regulations, which are currently being drafted, will shortly be brought before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights which Mr McDowell said has given its overwhelming backing.

He also stressed he had the continuous support of the Garda Commissioner, superintendents and the public.

AGSI President Joe Dirwan said they always were and still oppose the scheme in principal and will not co-operate with a reserve force, but added both associations were looking forward to also having their views heard by the Oireachtas committee.

He said: “I do not see a collision course ahead, I see it an opportunity there for further dialogue.”

According to Mr Dirwan, the force needs more full time gardai and not volunteers.

“We sympathise with the public out there because there is a crying need for extra gardai,” he said.

“We want to say to the public, gardai have been taken out of communities and have been removed because of policy by Garda management. People are in support of reserves but nobody knows how details are going to work out.”