Gardaí to outline opposition to reserve force

Rank-and-file gardaí are set to outline their opposition to the proposed Garda reserve today.

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is planning to recruit 4,000 members into the volunteer force to carry out community policing duties.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which is holding its annual conference in Galway, has already held mass meetings to protest against the proposal in Sligo, Laois, Cork and Dublin.

Although there are more than 30 motions up for discussion, the Garda reserve is set to dominate the proceedings.

GRA president Dermot O’Donnell will address delegates on the issue today.

Mr McDowell has not been invited to address the conference.