As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for the Garda Vote and is responsible for the economy and the efficiency of the Garda Síochána in using its resources. The Commissioner is also responsible, under Section 26 of the Act, for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
To be of assistance I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that a cost per year for the operation of the Garda College can only be provided for a fixed year, as the costs will vary from year to year dependant on staffing levels, the types of training being delivered and innumerable other variances.
The table below, provided by An Garda Síochána, outlines the costs for the operation of the College in 2023.
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Garda Members Wages & Allowances
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€16,804,681
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Garda Staff Wages & Allowances
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€7,516,564
|
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Trainee Garda – Training Allowance
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€4,227,679
|
|
Non Pay Costs
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€6,549,886
|
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Total
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€35,098,810
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