Written answers

Wednesday, 20 January 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Recruitment

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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432. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full-year cost if 1,000 additional gardaí were recruited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2735/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government recognises the importance of ensuring more visible community policing, in line with the report of the Commission for the Future of Policing in Ireland. To this end, the Government is committed to supporting the continuation of the training of new Garda recruits annually. This commitment to prioritising the implementation of the report, including ongoing Garda recruitment, will foster the development of safer, more resilient communities.

An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. The significant level of funding provided over recent years is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, there are now over 14,600 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide.

Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to620 new Gardaí and an extra 500 Garda staff. The Budget allocation also provides for an increase in supervisory ranks at Sergeant and Inspector level.

I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the estimated cost of hiring 1,000 Gardaí in 2021 would be approximately €23,412,546.

This estimate assumes that all 1,000 new recruits commence training on 1 January 2021. 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 €31,600 (pay scale in operation on completion of training in August 2021). The figures include Employer's PRSI and an estimation of allowances which Garda members may qualify for depending on their assignments. The annual cost would increase as the members move up the Garda Pay scale each year.

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