The row over the Garda reserve is expected to come to a head today when Minister for Justice Michael McDowell meets leaders of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to discuss the matter, along with a number of other outstanding issues.
The Minister has said he is willing to be flexible on the details of the Garda reserve, but the GRA has so far rejected the new body in principle.
Mr McDowell spoke to the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party about his plans on Tuesday.
He told TDs he was willing to be flexible on issues like the markings on reserve uniforms and on the long-standing request from sergeants and inspectors to raise the retirement age to 60.
Mr McDowell also circulated a copy of a booklet on the Garda reserve which will be given to every serving garda in the State.
It emphasises that the reserve will not be a substitute for increasing the strength of the Garda, and that the Government's commitment to bring the strength of the force to 14,000 members remains in place.
The booklet details the 120 hours of training that the members of the reserve will receive.
They will begin with a two-day induction course to acquire an appreciation of the Garda organisation and its culture.
That will be followed by 56 hours of training at weekends and evenings over an eight-week period during which trainees will learn basic law and Garda procedures. There will then be two days at the Garda College or regional centre during which trainees will engage in role-play exercises and instruction in self-defence, handcuff technique and the use of equipment.
The next phase will involve a minimum of 40 hours training over 10 weeks at a nominated Garda station, during which trainees will accompany a beat patrol with full-time gardaí.
Finally. they will participate in a one-day graduation exercise at the Garda College.
