Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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1140. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full-year cost in each of the next three years if 1,200 new gardaí were recruited per year, in tabular form. [1799/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation, including all human resource matters and recruitment. As Minister, I have no direct role in 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 ensure their optimum use.

The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the estimated payroll and fixed subsistence cost of recruiting 1,200 Garda in each of the years 2023 to 2025.

The calculation is based on €8.23 million for the first 33 weeks where new recruits undergo training during which time they receive basic allowances (including employer’s PRSI).

The remaining costs occur on completion of the 33 weeks training. At this time, upon attestation, Garda members move to the first point of the pay scale. The payroll costs include an estimation of certain fixed allowances and variable unsocial hours allowances and briefing time payments that the members may qualify for depending on their assignments and employer’s PRSI, is also included.

Fixed costs including the cost of equipment and accommodation are not included in the estimated figures.

I am informed that the calculations are an estimate only as it must take account of several unknowns, including the actual date of recruitment and locations of any new Garda. The calculations are based on the assumption that recruits commence training on 1 January 2023. The estimate includes the period of training and subsequent weeks of employment to the end of 2025.

It is worth noting the annual payroll costs of these additional recruits would continue to increase as the members move up the Garda pay scale each year. Pay increases scheduled for 1 March and 1 October 2023 are also taken into consideration.