Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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504. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total costs of training a Garda until attestation, in the Garda Training College, Templemore. [9185/25]

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. €47.8 million is allocated under Budget 2025 to run the Garda college. This includes €36 million on salaries which also encompasses the trainee budget and reservists. There is also €1.5 million assigned to Garda Overtime in the college. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

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.

The Garda College is the national centre for police training, development and learning within the Irish State. In addition to delivering the Foundation Programme for Garda Trainees, the Garda College provides a wide range of Operational, Specialist and Professional Development training courses for Garda Members and Garda Staff.

Crime Specialist and Operational Skills Training encompasses the following areas; Driver Training, Firearms Training, Crime Investigation Training, Crime Management Training, Operational Skills, Specialist and Investigative Interview Training.

Leadership Management and Professional Development (LMPD) facilitates and supports the analysis, design, development, implementation and review of training courses to An Garda Síochána and incorporates developmental and skills programmes aimed at professionalising Garda personnel in the delivery of an excellent policing service.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated payroll and fixed subsistence cost of recruiting one trainee is €14,370. This sum includes a basic training allowance for 35 weeks and an estimation of certain fixed allowances, employer’s PRSI and an estimate of subsistence paid during the trainee's deployment to an operational station.