Written answers

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Remuneration

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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286. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Attorney General has reported back to him with advice regarding the status of the living allowance for trainee gardaí in Templemore College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50640/17]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that the advices concerned have been received from the Attorney General's Office and are to the effect that the money paid in respect of the 'living allowance' out of the Garda Vote into an account in the College was public money.  Accordingly, the rules of accounting for the use of that public money received from the Central Fund were applicable. This has no implications for the findings of the Internal Audit Report.

The Deputy may wish to note that the funding model for the College changed in May 2017 and the restaurant is now being run on a net cost basis. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that the monthly funding from the Garda Vote for the restaurant is now calculated from the cost of staff wages and restaurant supplies, and takes account of till receipts. This model is designed to avoid any accumulation of surpluses in the restaurant account.

In line with the recommendation in the Interim Internal Audit Report and in order to give a transparent picture of the total costs and income of the College, from 2018 all College expenditure hitherto paid from the restaurant account (based on the living allowance direct payments) will now be paid from the Vote under a new College specific subhead and a new budget line for College income from the restaurant, etc. will be included within Appropriations-in-Aid.  This together with the other steps being taken by An Garda Síochána to implement the recommendations of the Report as a matter of priority will ensure that the serious shortcoming identified in the Report cannot arise again.

I am pleased to say that there has been very substantial progress in relation to the implementation of the recommendations as noted by the Policing Authority in its second report on this matter. The Authority's report was laid before the Houses on 17 November 2017.  

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