Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has failed to convince rank-and-file gardaí on the merits of establishing of a Garda reserve despite indicating his intention to raise the retirement age for gardaí to 60.
Following a lengthy meeting with members of the Garda Representative Association this afternoon, Mr McDowell admitted there had been "no meeting of minds".
But he said it was his intention to proceed with the establishment of a reserve force, which, he said, had the support of the Garda Commissioner, superintendents, the Oireachtas and the public.
General secretary of the GRA, PJ Stone said the position of his organisation had not changed and that gardaí were determined to fight the reserve plan.
Mr Stone said members of the force were extremely disillusioned and frustrated at what they see as the use of the Garda reserve force as a con job to deflect away from the real needs of An Garda Síochána.
"We are not convinced that the issue of a Garda Reserve at this time is not, as we have always maintained, a substitute for proper policing."
Mr Stone said the force was not being fully resourced and reiterated the GRA's demand for a survey to assess the policing needs of the country.
But Mr McDowell said there was a strong need for a reserve force in Ireland and that it would enhance rather than diminish the effectiveness of An Garda Síochána.
Mr McDowell also moved to assure gardaí that reservists would play no part in interrogating suspects, presenting evidence to court or other complex duties.
He said the force would in no way threaten the professionalism or status of full-time members of the force.
The Minister said the establishment of a reserve would be a positive factor in future wage negotiations and pledged it would never be used by Government to make the argument that the remuneration of gardaí was in any way excessive.
He said that since the maximum age for recruitment had been raised to 35, he would also be raising the retirement age of gardaí from 57 to 60. Many gardaí have wanted the retirement age increased for some years.
He said it was also his intention to commission a study to ascertain the appropriate level of gardaí needed to police this country.
Mr McDowell will tomorrow meet a delegation from the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), which is also opposed to the creation of the Garda reserve.
