Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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106. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost for each ten extra gardaí recruited in 2019. [38132/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment and training of the members of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated full year cost to An Garda Síochána of employing 10 new Gardaí recruited in 2019 would be approximately €238,370.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that this estimated costing relies on the assumption that all 10 new recruits commence training on 1st January 2019. Payroll costs for new Garda recruits include a basic allowance of €184 per week. After 32 weeks of training, Garda recruits are attested and move on to the first point of the Garda pay scale which, on the basis of the pay scale in operation on completion of training in August 2019, would be €29,996. I am advised that these estimated figures include Employer's PRSI and an estimation of allowances which Garda members may qualify for, contingent on their assigned duties. The annual cost would increase as the members moved up the Garda Pay scale each year.