Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

798. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of recruiting eight additional analysts at higher executive officer level for the Garda cyber crime unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18627/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer of An Garda Síochána and is statutorily responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including human resource matters.  As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.  I am assured however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to their optimum use.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 June 2020, there are over 3,000 Garda staff undertaking administrative, professional, technical and industrial support duties in the organisation.  The Government's current objective is to increase the number of Garda staff to 4,000 in 2021. 

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated yearly cost of recruiting eight additional analysts at higher executive officer level for the Garda cybercrime unit is €442,824 (€55,353 per person). The costing assumes that the analysts are placed on the first point of the relevant salary scale and includes the effect of the 2% scheduled pay rise on 1 October 2020. Employer’s PRSI is also included at a rate of 11.05%.  This estimate is for the payroll costs only and does not take account of any additional accommodation or ICT related costs that may be necessarily incurred.