A recruitment drive to fill 900 positions in the new Garda Reserve Force began today with national advertisements in newspapers and on radio stations.
Candidates for the force must be aged between 18 and 60 and be willing to give four hours per week of service.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell confirmed the Garda Siochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2006 had been drawn up to guide the recruitment, training and appointment of the reserves.
The recruitment campaign is getting under way despite opposition to the plans from the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.
Mr McDowell said the reserve members, which will eventually number 4,000, would provide support to full-time members and strengthen links between the force and local communities throughout the country.
Another campaign is also seeking applications for 1,000 full-time Garda trainees.
A five-phase training programme is planned for the reserves, including 40 hours of practical experience on patrol and in a Garda station.
Reservists will have powers of arrest, which will be confined to road traffic, public order, theft and fraud offences.