Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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1590.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the projected cost of every 10 additional community gardaí; the cost of each additional dedicated community sergeant; the cost of a 10% increase overall, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33018/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled out across the country, and is fully commenced in 14 Garda divisions.

The new model will provide more frontline Gardaí and increased Garda visibility, and will deliver a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within divisions into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent, focus on community policing in all divisions.

Budget 2024 provides the highest ever allocation to An Garda Síochána, over €2.35 billion, which is a 25% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the projected cost of every ten additional community Gardaí and the cost of each additional dedicated community sergeant.

The table below outlines the estimated incremental salary costs if the current total number of Community Gardaí is increased by 10%.

I am informed that salary costs are calculated using the midpoint of the current Garda Salary scale and include fixed allowances which the member is entitled to. An estimate of Employer’s PRSI is also included. Allowances for unsocial hours and any potential overtime payments in excess of standard briefing time are not included. Future pension costs are not included.

All information supplied is estimated and subject to change.