Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
262. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the first full-year cost of recruiting one thousand additional Gardaí in 2025; the full second year cost of those Gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42249/24]
View answerThe 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, 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 informed by Garda Authorities that the estimated 2025 payroll cost associated with the recruitment of 1,000 trainees in 2025 is in the region of €10.2 million. The estimated 2026 payroll cost associated with the recruitment of those 1,000 trainees is in the region of €47.1 million.
For this calculation, it is assumed that the 1,000 trainees are recruited in four tranches spread throughout the year. It is assumed that each batch of recruits attests every 35 weeks.
The estimate includes a basic training allowance and certain fixed allowances payable for the 35 week training period. When attested, Garda move to point 1 of the Garda pay scale. An estimation of certain fixed allowances, variable unsocial hours’ allowances and employer’s PRSI is calculated as each batch of recruits moves onto the Garda pay scale.
Pay increases scheduled for 2025 and 2026 are taken into consideration for newly attested Garda.
Other potential costs including the cost of equipment, subsistence and accommodation are not included. It is assumed that the Garda College has the capacity for this level of trainees. It should also be noted that the estimated figures do not take account of potential overtime costs in excess of estimated briefing time payments or potential future pension costs.
