Conway calls for Garda Reserve to be involved in prevention of crime against the elderly

Clare Fine Gael Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday) called on the Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, and the Garda Commissioner to consider extending the role of the Garda Reserve to include initiatives to reduce crime against the elderly. Senator Conway raised the issue with Minister Shatter during a Seanad adjournment debate this week.

“In light of the recent incident involving an elderly Clare man who fled his home following a burglary, the Government needs to consider enhanced anti-crime initiatives to protect the elderly living alone.

“The Garda Reserve could greatly assist in implementing a strategy designed to help prevent the older people from becoming the victims of crime and to provide important safety information to elderly people living alone.

“There are currently more than 1,160 members of the Garda Reserve, with recruitment on-going. They are involved in a range of activities, including foot patrols, checkpoints, helping at accidents and supporting community or neighbourhood policing.

“In 2012, following an internal review, a decision was taken to extend their duties to include areas such as domestic violence, conflict resolution and child protection. With this in mind, I have called on the Minister to also considering further extending the responsibilities of the Reserve to include their participation in crime prevention initiatives focussed on the elderly.

“Unfortunately the Minister has said it is not intended to further extend the powers of the Garda Reserve at this time. However, I will continue to pursue this matter with the Minister in a bid to involve Garda Reserve members in specific initiatives to help reduce rates of crime against the elderly.”

ENDS