Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to recruitment and training. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.

However, to be of assistance, I sought the information requested from the Garda authorities. I am advised that the estimated full-year payroll cost of recruiting an additional 53 forensic examiners at engineering grade 3 level is approximately €2.12million (approx. €40,000 per person).

I am informed that An Garda Síochána currently have two staff at engineering grade 3 level and the costing assumes that the additional 53 staff will be placed on the first point of the current engineer grade 3 pay scale. It is worth noting that employer’s PRSI is also included at a rate of 11.05%.