An Garda Síochána

Wednesday, 29 May 2024

Ceisteanna (146)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

146. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the total overtime paid to Garda members and to gardaí at sergeant rank in each of the years between 2020 and 2023; and the total of overtime payments made to gardaí and to sergeants in Q1 of 2024, respectively (January, February and March). [24270/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 29 May 2024 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the total overtime paid to Garda members and to gardaí at sergeant rank in each of the years between 2020 and 2023; and the total of overtime payments made to gardaí and to sergeants in Q1 of 2024, respectively (January, February and March)”.

As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.

As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner is also the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote under the Act and is responsible for the economy and the efficiency of the Garda Síochána in using its resources. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that members at Garda, Sergeant, and Inspector rank are eligible for overtime payments where applicable.

I am further advised that the table below provides the approximate overtime expenditure in relation to members at Garda and Sergeant rank only in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and at Q1 2024.

Rank	2020	2021	2022	2023	Q1 2024
Garda	€ 71.74m	€82.53m	€92.73m	€132.17m	€30.9m
Sergeant	€ 19.72m	€22.42m	€26.14m	€36.55m	€9.16m
Total	€ 91.46m	€104.95m	€118.87m	€168.72m	€40.06m

I am advised that these figures are based on data taken from the accounting ledger. Where accounting adjustments or recoupments occur, such entries are not posted with a rank assigned in the accounting ledger. The allocation of adjustments where no rank is assigned is done on a proportionate basis.

I hope this information is of assistance.