While not a career, the Garda Reserve gives its members an intense training course and teaches valuable skills.

CONTRACT OF SERVICE

Service in the Garda Reserve is voluntary and unpaid. An allowance is payable by the Garda Commissioner to Garda Reserve members who complete a minimum of 208 hours duty annually in respect of expenses incurred in performing their duties, the amount of which will be determined by the Minister for Finance. 

The Garda Reserve Annual Allowance claim is applicable on a graduated scale up to €3000 based on the number of hours completed in a calendar year

Working as a member of the Garda Reserve is challenging and unpredictable. You never know what the next call will be or what you will be faced with.  You are helping the people of Ireland whether on duty in the public office or patrolling with a full time colleague. You are supporting and helping your full time colleagues in every way you can.

The value of the work of the Garda Reserve at community level is very important. Members can attend meetings of community policing groups – they have an important role supporting full-time gardaí in working for the community and being a source of assurance for the elderly and vulnerable.

Being a member of the Garda Reserves allows you give something back to your community on a voluntary basis, not only benefittng  those around you but also having a very positive effect on your own self esteem.

Being a member of the Garda Reserve and applying to become a full-time member of An Garda Síochána: 

A Garda Reserve stream was established in 2015. Members of the Garda Reserve who meet the requirements can apply through this stream. To avail of this option, members must have completed their probationary period, performed satisfactory service and served a minimum of 120 hours per year for two of the previous four years. 

The Garda Reserves work all over the country. It is the aim of the Garda Síochána to try to facilitate Reserves as close to their home areas as possible.

As of late 2025, there are approximately 300-332 Garda Reserves in Ireland. The government plans to double the Garda Reserve to over 600 members next year, with a target of 1,000 by 2026. 

• Current numbers: As of August 2025, there were 296 Garda Reserves. Other sources list the number as around 325-332.
• Future plans: The government plans to increase the number of Garda Reserves to over 600 next year and has a target of 1,000 by 2026.
• New recruits: In November 2025, 17 new Garda Reserves attested from the Garda College. 

• A variety of different nationalities are represented including people who are Iranian, Polish, Nigerian, Italian, Lithuanian, Albanian, Indian and Chinese

• Backgrounds vary from fitness instructors to firemen to bank clerks

• Garda reservists serve 6-7 years on average. more than 200 Garda Reservists have gone on to pursue full-time careers in the organisation.