This article is from page 11 of the 2006-03-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THE Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has told each member of Clare County Council that there is no danger of infiltration by subversives or criminals into the new Garda reserve force.
In a bid to counter what he calls the ‘disinformation’ put into the public domain over the new reserve, Minister McDowell has written to each member of Clare County Council and stated, “I am confident that many of our fellow citizens will be proud to serve in the new Garda reserve.
“The reserve will provide an opportunity for continued involvement in law enforcement by retired members of the force, for many of whom policing and serving the community has been a life-time passion.
“Far from undermining the professionalism of our police force, these people will provide a diverse and rich resource for An Garda Síochána. Police forces across the common law countries have had reservists for many years. Is anyone seriously suggesting that police forces in the US or Britain are second rate as a result.
“The Garda Reserve concept has won the support of the Oireachtas, both in the ranks of Government and Opposition parties. I believe that the support of the public will also be forthcoming as the concept and the clear benefits it will bring are well understood”.
The reserve proposal is facing vehement opposition from the Garda Representative Association (GRA). GRA Central Executive member for Clare, Tom Keane stated, “a reserve police force, with little training and full Garda powers is something that we will not accept. It will be met with the opposition it deserves.”
In response to the letter, Councillor Brian Meaney (GP) said, “I am in favour of the Garda reserve and the attitude of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) needs to change on the issue.”
Cllr Meaney said that he would be applying to join the reserve only for Minister McDowell had ruled out members of political parties joining.
“The reserve needs to be given a fair chance. It will enhance the role of the Garda. However the resentment of the GRA towards reserve members will make life intolerable for the Garda reserve.”