Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
785. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the commitment to increase the Garda training allowance; how much this increase will be; what it will be benchmarked against; and the expected timeline for delivery. [2277/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.48bn in Budget 2025.
This funding will support the recruitment of new Garda members, Garda staff and Garda Reserves, and reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting all parts of the organisation.
The Government is taking a number of steps to accelerate recruitment into An Garda Síochána.
A new Garda recruitment campaign opens this week and I encourage anyone who believes they can make a positive contribution as a Garda to consider applying.
Legislative changes to the Admissions and Appointments Regulations in late 2023 mean that candidates up to the age of 50 can now apply to the Garda Trainee Recruitment Campaign.
The Garda Trainee allowance increased from €305 to €354 per week with effect from 1 October 2024 and has increased by a total of €170 per week when compared with 2023.
Insofar as further increases to the allowance are concerned, these will be considered in the context of the Estimates process.
