Representatives of senior gardaí today repeated their opposition to a Garda reserve force despite a meeting with Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.
The delegation from the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said the meeting had been cordial but that little had been achieved.
AGSI President Joe Dirwan said the body was not only opposed to the detail of the proposals but was opposed to a reserve force in principle. He called on the Minister to fully resource the existing force as an alternative.
AGSI President Joe Dirwan leaving the Department of Justice today. Photo: Barry Malone
Mr Dirwan rejected claims that gardaí were were objecting to such a force to protect overttime arrangements. "If that was the situation we wouldn't be looking for extra resources," he said.
The AGSI has said the volunteers would have only 24 hours training in relation to basic law and Garda procedures yet would have full powers of arrest.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr McDowell acknowledged the reservists would be given the right to arrest for offences such as obstruction and public order offences. "Every reservist police constable in every common law country has the power of arrest," he said.
"In Ireland they will have to be in uniform and they will be operating under the supervision of full-time members of the force."
Mr McDowell has not yet drawn up detailed plans on training of the volunteers but has admitted it would be to a lower level than professional gardaí.
Denying that the force may be infiltrated by criminals and subversives, the Minister said that he expected the commissioner to establish a vetting procedure as strict as that for the Garda Síochána.
The establishment of a reserve force is provided for in the Garda Síochána Bill. Reservists will not receive payment but will be reimbursed for expenses. It is envisaged recruits will work 24 hours each month.
Mr McDowell said last week the Garda Commissioner had asked him to establish a reserve of 4,000 members, and that he had put in place a plan for 900 members this year.