Jim O'Callaghan
Question:457. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the estimated full-year cost if 1,500 new gardaí were recruited in both 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [30665/23]
View answerTuesday, 27 June 2023
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Written answers
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review. I am advised that this is considered in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure the optimum use of these resources.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the below table shows the estimated payroll and fixed subsistence cost for recruiting 1,500 full time Garda members in the years 2024 and 2025.
|
- |
2024 |
2025 |
|
€million |
€million |
|
|
2024 intake (Year 1 and Year 2) |
38.22 |
78.85 |
|
2025 intake (Year 1 only) |
- |
38.22 |
I am informed by the Garda authorities that year 1 figures include a basic training allowance for 33 weeks along with 19 weeks of post attestation salary, an estimation of certain fixed allowances and variable unsocial hours’ allowances, employer’s PRSI and an estimate of subsistence paid during the trainees' deployment to an operational station.
I am also informed year 2 figures include moving to point 2 of the pay scale one year after attestation and an estimation of certain fixed allowances and variable unsocial hours’ allowances and employer’s PRSI.
I understand that pay increases scheduled for 1 October 2023 are taken into consideration. Currently there are no pay increases agreed for 2024 and 2025.
I am advised that other potential costs including the cost of equipment and accommodation are not included. It should also be noted that the estimated figures do not take account of potential overtime costs or potential future pension costs.
I am also advised that figures are operational and subject to change, figures are an estimate only and not indicative of actual costs.