Madam, - As one who strongly believes the proposed Garda Reserve offers a real opportunity to community-minded people to contribute to society, I view the escalating dispute between the Minister for Justice and two of the Garda trade unions with no little frustration.
The prospect of so many people being prevented from assisting in addressing, in a meaningful way, problems of crime and anti-social behaviour cannot surely be given even fleeting consideration.
While one accepts arguments concerning both the adequacy and quality of the training of the reserve, it is puzzling as to why management of the two Garda unions are so vehemently opposed to its introduction. Surely the feedback from gardaí on the beat in their areas would leave their leadership in no doubt that enthusiasm for the reserve is both real and substantial.
Would it not be better now for all to step back and reflect on this matter, address any further genuine Garda concerns on the reserve and move forward as soon as is reasonably possible on a consensual basis. Society needs the reserve force; our communities deserve it. - Yours, etc,
TONY TAAFFE, Finglas, Dublin 11.
Madam, - The Garda Representative Association's decision to refuse to co-operate with the proposed Garda volunteer reserve is welcome. Since its election the present Government has deliberately embarked on an economic policy designed to transform Ireland from a cohesive, homogeneous society into a low-wage, decentralised economic zone with a sub-standard services sector.
The creation of a Garda volunteer reserve is part of this strategy. It is designed to condition the public into believing that society should be a haphazard, casual arrangement which, in Minister McDowell's words, "demands flexibility and inequality in some respects to function".
This kind of society is supported, in the main, by the major political parties in the Dáil who regard it as a fait accompli. Although such fundamental changes may increase political alienation and lead to political instability as the quality of life of poorer people worsens, our political representatives have closed ranks and refuse to debate on these issues with the electorate.
Perhaps the GRA's stance will draw renewed attention to the indifference of the political class to the casualisation of labour of wage earners as it acts out its role as an agency for promoting corporate gospels. - Yours, etc,
SIMON O'DONNELL, Church Place, Dublin 6.
Madam, - An exchange that I happened to hear between a garda on the beat and three homeless people who were enjoying a quiet drink on a side lane in Dublin's city centre shows that a sense of humour has not been entirely lost in the midst of the force's infuriation.
After a passing remark by the garda about moving on, one of the gentlemen inquired if the garda knew of any jobs for him. As he continued on his beat, the garda offered the following career advice: "Ah, you can go and join the Garda Reserve". - Yours, etc,
JOHN DEELY, Ringsend, Dublin 4.