Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
264. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the full-year cost of recruiting an additional 100 civilian staff to An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42251/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer of An Garda Síochána and is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including human resource matters such as the recruitment of civilian staff. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am committed to the principle that everyone should be safe, and feel safe. Ensuring that An Garda Síochána are properly resourced is key to achieving this goal. The unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025, up 27% since 2020, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
As of 28 June 2024, there are 3,502 Garda staff working alongside Garda members and carrying out vital roles to increase availability of Gardaí to focus on front-line duties. The significant increase in Garda staff in recent years has enabled 900 Gardaí to be freed up for front-line duties.
The Garda authorities have advised that the estimated full year payroll related cost of recruiting 100 Garda Staff is in the region of €5.8 million.
I am further advised that the calculation is an estimate only as it must take account of several unknowns, such as the actual grade, and date of recruitment of any new Garda staff. Hence, the above figures are annualised costs based on 50 Clerical Officers, 25 Executive Officers, 15 Higher Executive Officers and 10 Assistant Principal Officers paid at the midpoint of the current pay scale. An estimation of employer’s PRSI is also included.
