Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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441. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of increasing the number of Garda Síochána to 16,000 between now and end of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4458/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including to invest in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána, in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I have no direct role in the Garda recruitment process.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that at the end of December 2024 there were 14,191 Garda members. Net Garda numbers would therefore have to increase by 1,809 Garda over the next two years to reach 16,000 sworn Garda members by the end of 2026.

I am advised that the estimated payroll and fixed subsistence cost of recruiting 1,809 Garda members by the end of 2026 is in the region of €100 million. This does not however take account of retirements/resignations and the consequential need to recruit considerably more Gardaí than 1,809, if a target of 16,000 were to be reached. Neither does it take account of additional equipment, accommodation and other costs that would accrue.